Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day… The original article can be found here:

I bet if you looked in the mirror you wouldn’t say to yourself, “I look a little fungusy today.” More than likely, you don’t really know what it looks like to be fungusy.

Truth be told, you can’t really look like fungus (or a mushroom for that matter), but there is a good chance that fungus, to some degree or another, is compromising your health.

Don’t get too wigged out when I use the word fungus. We are all covered in fungal communities; they take up residence on us and within us, forming tight-knit colonies according to their kind. Many of these fungi are harmless, and a good number are quite necessary for health. However, when the bad guys move into the neighborhood, things get funky.

Fungi vs. bacteria

Before I go on, let’s first take a quick look at the difference between fungi and bacteria. Both are minute organisms that are found in almost every ecosystem on earth, and both can associate with other groups of living things. As mentioned above, they can either be harmless and necessary in biological processes, or they can be highly dangerous.

The main difference between fungi and bacteria is their cellular structure. Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, meaning they do not possess a nucleus, while fungi are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a very well-defined nucleus. While both organisms have cell walls, what makes up these cell walls is different. Fungi, for the most part, have long hollow tubes that form networks (hyphae).

Each of these tubes is bordered by a strong wall made from chitin — the same substance that forms the exoskeletons of insects. Hyphae grow from their tips and reach out in a branching manner to form a network called mycelium. As the mycelium grows, it produces fruiting bodies and other structures that are rich with reproductive spores.

Bacteria multiply by binary fission when parent bacterium divide to make the same sized daughter cells. Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually by a process of branching fragmentation and budding (as in the case of yeast).

Fungi are scavengers, feeding off dead stuff — kind of like the buzzards you see cleaning up roadkill along the highway. Bacteria, on the other hand, are a little more sophisticated in the fact that they can actually manufacture their own food.

Types of fungal infections

There are several fungal infections that result from different types of fungi entering the body.

For instance, Aspergillus fungi can be inhaled through the mouth or nose and can cause fever, cough and wheezing. In very severe instances, this fungal infection can spread to other organs including the brain, skin and bones.

Cryptococcus neoformans is found in the soil or in bird droppings. This fungus also enters the body through the mouth or nostrils and can cause a lung infection resulting in a cough or chest pain.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus that is commonly found in eastern and central United States in soil that contains bird and bat feces. When spores are disturbed, they can be inhaled and can cause flu-like symptoms, body aches, fever and cough.

Candida albicans

Yeast, also known as Candida albicans, is a type of fungus that is present in all humans. The fungus is found on both the skin and mucus membranes. In small amounts, it is harmless to the body.

However, when the growth of yeast increases dramatically, the results can be absolutely devastating. Did you know that yeast overgrowth is considered to be one of the most prevalent, yet unrecognized conditions to man?

When you have a healthy body, the yeast is kept under control by the healthy bacteria within your body. However, medical antibiotics — and those found in much of the meat we eat — will upset the balance of your friendly bacteria. Since antibiotics are nonselective, they work to weaken the good bacteria that keep yeast in check.

The yeast then begins to flourish, and before you know it, it’s completely out of control. Antibiotics are not the only contributor to the upset of your healthy bacteria; cortisone, some birth control pills and certain drugs have an effect on it, as well.

Once the yeast has overgrown in your body, it thrives on sugar, carbohydrates, moldy foods, fermented foods and vinegar. If you’ve ever noticed that your cravings for any of these are very strong, chances are, you have a yeast overgrowth in your body.

When the level of yeast is elevated in your body, toxins are released into your bloodstream in high amounts. These waste products have a profound effect on your well-being and are linked to many health problems.

Signs of yeast gone wild

The effects of yeast overgrowth will worsen over time, and will seriously compromise physical, mental and emotional well-being. According to researchers, hidden, deviant fungus may be the reason for any number of seemingly unrelated health complaints.

Just another reason why it is so important to not look at symptoms in isolation. Very often, you will find that two seemingly unrelated things, like muscle twitches and frequent bladder infections, are the result of yeast gone wild.

Here are 32 signs that yeast may have moved in and is slowly taking over your body. If you suffer frequently from more than three of these, it may be time to learn more about yeast.

• Fungal infections on skin or nails
• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail fungus
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Bad breath
• Dry mouth
• Joint pain
• Numbness
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• PMS
• Heartburn
• Burning eyes
• Lack of impulse control
• Hyperactivity
• Poor concentration
• Brain fog
• ADD, ADHD
• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis or multiple sclerosis
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Strong cravings for sugar or refined carbohydrates
• Eczema or psoriasis
• Hives
• Seasonal allergies or itchy ears
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal or rectal itching

The spit test

Yeast overgrowth is one of the most difficult health issues to detect because of the small amount that is present in everyone. The best way to determine if you have yeast overgrowth is by taking a look at your lifestyle and diet.

Do you crave sweets and carbohydrates, experience constant illness, have a mental illness that doesn’t respond to medication, or generally feel “unwell?” Chances are you’re experiencing yeast overgrowth and need to make some changes to your diet.

You can also try the spit test. Yeah, we know, it sounds a little gross, but a spit test offers a really good analysis of what is going on inside your body and may show signs of a yeast overgrowth. The best time to take this test is as soon as you wake up in the morning, before you even get out of bed.

How to do the spit test

• Gather as much spit as possible in your mouth.
• Spit into a clear glass with room temperature filtered water.
• Watch carefully.

1. The saliva will float at first. Watch to see if there are thin projections extending downward into the water after 15 minutes or so. They may look like hairs or strings. If this happens you may have a candida overgrowth problem.
2. If your saliva is very cloudy and sinks to the bottom within a few minutes, or parts of the saliva slowly sink, yeast overgrowth is a possibility. The particles are yeast colonies which band together.
3. If your spit is still floating after about an hour, it is likely that your yeast is under control.

The downward spiral

Candida can be linked to serious health problems. Once this fungus begins to thrive in the body, general health will spiral downward. The cravings for sugar and other foods that nourish the yeast will get stronger, and on and on it will go.

Eventually, the immune system becomes so weak that the symptoms are no longer tolerable. Often physicians will prescribe antibiotics to treat the symptoms, thus killing off the last of any friendly bacteria. When yeast is in this advanced state, depression and suicidal thoughts are very common.

How to kick the bad fungus to the curb

According to the National Candida Center, if you have symptoms and your spit test is positive for yeast, it is a pretty good indication that you have a candida overgrowth problem. The first step in addressing the problem is to adjust your diet.

Eliminate all processed foods and sugar, and begin eating only wholesome, organic foods if possible. The following foods also help the body heal from the assault of candida overgrowth and encourage the proliferation of healthy bacteria:

1. Coconut oil

This tropical treasure has strong antifungal properties, which will kill the bad bacteria and support immune system functioning. Replace your other cooking oils with coconut oil and add liberally to foods or your coffee. Aim for two tablespoons daily to start.

2. Garlic

Garlic also has strong antifungal properties and will destroy unfriendly bacteria while encouraging the growth of good bacteria. It detoxifies and encourages healthy liver and colon functioning. Use garlic liberally to jazz up your food or chew freely on two to three cloves per day. Note: Raw garlic is far superior in its efficacy.

3. Seaweed

It may not be too appealing to look at, but seaweed is a highly nutrient-dense food that can fight against yeast overgrowth. Many times, people with yeast overgrowth suffer from hyperthyroidism, and seaweed is rich in iodine, which helps balance the thyroid gland. In addition, seaweed is a detoxifier and helps to flush toxins out of the body while cleaning the digestive system. Eat fresh seaweed or take high-quality kelp supplements for best results.

4. Pumpkin seeds

These tiny seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have antiviral and antifungal properties. They help to reduce the inflammation caused by yeast and fight depression as well. Add pumpkin seeds to your cereal, salads or even eat them as a tasty snack.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a powerful detoxifier that increases circulation and flushes toxins out of the liver while supporting the immune system. It helps reduce intestinal gas and soothes inflammation from yeast overgrowth. Make ginger tea by grating a 1-inch piece of ginger root and adding it to two cups of boiling water and a fresh slice of lemon.

Once you get your diet under control and introduce foods that fight the bad bacteria, you can consider taking a high-quality probiotic or eating a little bit of fermented food daily to keep your healthy bacteria count in good order.

Exercising daily and learning how to manage stress in your life will also help to keep fungus from taking over your body.

If you are not able to make these dietary changes, and you want to wipe out fungus completely and never have it return again, take a look at this fungus hack below…

Every nail and skin fungus sufferer must see THIS urgent video!

There’s a mind-bending solution that has been crushing every single lab test, leaving doctors speechless…

In fact, this totally surprising mix of ingredients is so powerful…

That taking just one tablespoon can make any infection vanish almost overnight…

While completely clearing your nails and skin…

And without you having to use any creams or antibiotics.

It’s all explained on this page:

1 Tablespoon Wipes Out Skin and Nail Fungus

The post 32 Signs Fungus Might Be Taking Over Your Body appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Did you know that the color of your urine can tell a lot about what is going on with your body… What you eat and drink has a direct impact on your overall health, and the color of your urine is a good warning sign if something is amiss.

Well, my friends at TheAlternativeDaily wrote a good article about this topic and I wanted to share it today…

Everyone has heard the saying “You are what you eat.” With sodas, alcohol and excessive coffee drinking, we often forget that we are what we drink too. Urine is the liquid waste from what we drink throughout the day.

Everything else is stored in our bodies. Our urine can tell us a lot about how our bodies are reacting to the things we consume each day and acts like a sort of warning system to alert us when there are any problems.

The color of both our urine and our feces can tell us how healthy or unhealthy we really are. For instance, when our pee is dark yellow, orange or honey-colored, we should be consuming more water. Although foam or fizz is normal, if your pee is frequently foamy it can be a sign of excess protein consumption or kidney disease.

Gut bacteria, food dyes, medications and rare genetic disorders can cause your pee to turn green or blue. If this continues, see a doctor as a precaution. If your pee is occasionally red or pink in hue, it could be because you ate blueberries, rhubarb or beets. If you haven’t eaten any of these, and you have red or pink pee, then see a doctor to check for kidney disease, a urinary tract infection or a tumor.

The scent of your pee is also indicative of good health. We all know how pee can smell. Although the scent isn’t always pleasant, if you have either a sweet, musty or strong odor, this can be a sign of major problems. A strong odor can indicate a urinary tract infection.

A sweet smell can mean that you have diabetes. Some metabolic disorders can cause a musty urine scent. Also, the frequency with which you urinate can indicate a problem. If you have spotting or a frequent need to urinate, you might have incontinence or an overactive bladder. Increased frequency and urgency to pee can also be signs of diabetes, an infection, or kidney stones in women. See a doctor if you notice any of those scents.

Common problems for females and how to fix them

According to Dr. Yim Lik, a urogynecologist at Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne, Australia, women’s bladders shrink over time from about 500 or 600 milliliters at the age of 30 to about 300 milliliters at age 80. Height also plays a role in bladder size. For instance, a five-foot-tall woman will have a smaller bladder than a six-foot-tall woman.

A common problem that occurs as we age is the inability to control when we have to go. As our bladders shrink, so does the length of time between visits to the bathroom. We can also experience urinary incontinence, which means it might be more difficult to control when and how you pee.

This can manifest in a few forms. Stress incontinence can increase the likelihood of peeing when you cough or sneeze, while an overactive bladder can cause you to go more often. Although this is more likely in older women, 20 to 30 percent of women in their twenties experience this. Men may also experience urinary incontinence, but it is more common in women.

Medications, pads and surgery are available for people suffering with incontinence. Behavioral therapy is also available for those dealing with incontinence as a result of stress. Thankfully, public awareness of this problem, in younger and older women alike, has grown due to advertisements for feminine products of this nature. There are now many products for a variety of urinary needs to help reduce the embarrassment of pee problems.

Two products that are common treatments for urinary problems are over-the-counter urinary tract infection (UTI) tests and UTI treatments in cream, pill and suppository forms. Urinary tract infections are also more common in women because the urethra is shorter in women, allowing it to come into contact with bacteria more frequently.

Symptoms are similar to kidney infections, bladder infections and dehydration, but if you have multiple symptoms, you should either buy a test or see your doctor. Symptoms include burning urination, increased frequency in bathroom breaks, pain just below the rib cage, feeling like you can’t empty your bladder, fever and leaking urine, or incontinence.

Kidney infections are also particularly common in women and symptoms mirror those of a UTI. If your UTI test comes back negative, see a doctor to make sure you don’t have a kidney infection. Although recurring kidney infections should be treated by a doctor, you can alleviate symptoms by avoiding coffee and alcohol, drinking more water, drinking cranberry juice, applying a heating pad when pain is felt, wearing soft cotton, and not holding your pee.

Can girls really pee standing up?

I know, it sounds bizarre, right? Guys can pee sitting down, but few people realize that girls can actually stand up while doing their business. If you’re interested, there are many devices on the market to help you, including Go-Girl, Sani-Fem Freshette, pStyle, Whiz Freedom, Shewee and the Sheenis — and yes, the last one is a real product. All of these devices are the shape of a funnel to help girls have a stream that points away from them. More surprisingly, you can actually recreate that stream without any device.

It’s easier to do with a skirt, but you will have to remove your panties before attempting this. First, bend your knees slightly, arch your back and thrust forward. Use your fingers to part your inner labia to create a controllable stream. Try not to minimize pauses.

Push out the last bit instead of letting it drip. Unlike the devices, this technique helps you pee standing up in a way that minimizes germs, is effective, and reduces the risk of coming into contact with your own urine. If you are new to this, then practice when hovering over a toilet so you don’t get messy. Once you have the hang of it, you will be able to use this trick on camping trips without the need for a gross porta potty.

Pee better for better health

Healthy pee is indicative of good health. To reduce your risk of diseases, infections and complications, check your pee regularly. Ensure that you have an unscented, colorless pee stream for good health. Drink plenty of water and reduce your consumption of alcohol, coffee and soda. Holding your bladder is not good for your health either and can cause many problems, so don’t be ashamed to make a run to the bathroom. Go when you need to go and see your doctor if you notice any changes in frequency, urgency, color or scent.

If you pee standing up, holding your inner labia is less messy and reduces the risk of spreading germs compared to using a device. When peeing sitting down, be gentle and make sure you thoroughly clean your vaginal area so you don’t have embarrassing spots on your panties or bacterial buildup on your vagina.

Despite us learning how to wipe when potty-training, many of us forget to wipe front-to-back. According to Alyssa Dweck, M.D. and ob-gyn and author of V is for Vagina, wiping back-to-front can cause rectal bacteria to come into contact with our sensitive lady parts, which can cause infections.

Also, over-wiping can cause irritation, inflammation and itching. If you feel the need to over-wipe, it can be a sign that you still have more pee in your bladder or that you need to increase your water and fiber intake. According to Anish Sheth, M.D., a gastroenterologist and author of What’s Your Poo Telling You?, you should only need to wipe roughly two times. So be sensitive to your lady bits and keep them clean, but not overly clean. In fact, using wipes, sprays and lotions can irritate the skin as well and throw off your pH balance, leading to irritation and infections.

Your pee can tell you a lot about your health, so pay attention, pee regularly, don’t over-wipe, wipe correctly, or pee standing up, and drink plenty of water.

Have you ever tried peeing standing up? Did you use a device or do it organically, and which do you prefer? Have you ever had urinary problems? What did you do to solve it? Leave us a comment below. We’d love to read about your story.

—Nicole Manuel
(The original article source is here)

Before you go, I have another important message for both men and women…

Attention Women: Stop ‘pee leaks’ with this upper body stretch

If you want to stop bladder leakage and tighten your pelvic floor, you’re supposed to do kegels, right? Well…

That’s wrong, but there is an UPPER body stretch that strengthens your pelvic floor and stops ‘pee leaks’…

>> This strange upper body stretch STOPS bladder leakage

Sources:
http://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au/health-beauty/health-advice/1253-peeing-patterns-what-s-normal
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/is-it-bad-to-hold-your-pee
http://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/health-answers/what-your-pee-is-telling-you
http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/10/what-the-color-of-your-urine-says-about-you-infographic
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/features/the-truth-about-urine
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/tc/urinary-problems-and-injuries-age-12-and-older-topic-overview
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/features/incontinence-womans-little-secret
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/health-tools/search-by-symptom/urination-problems.html
http://travellingtwo.com/resources/peeing
http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/5-bathroom-mistakes-you-dont-know-youre-making
http://www.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2011/09/02/devices-that-will-help-women-pee-standing-up
http://www.wikihow.com/Pee-Standing-up-Without-a-Device

The post Gals: How to Pee for Better Health (Yep, You Can Stand Up Too) appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

I bet if you look in your kitchen cabinets, you probably have a box of baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Baking soda is a longstanding formula of natural sodium ions and bicarbonate ions, that has many health and household uses, beyond an ingredient for baking or for deodorizing the fridge.

Baking soda is especially good for your health, primarily because of its ability to alkalize the body and counteract acids.

Baking soda is not the same thing as baking powder. While both are used to help make cakes and baked items rise, baking powder contains other ingredients such as cornstarch.

Baking soda is an inexpensive, natural health and household helper. Baking soda typically costs about a dollar a box and is safe and easy to use. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing things that baking soda can do to improve your health.

1. Baking Soda Helps Autoimmune Disease

A daily dose of baking soda may help reduce the destructive inflammation of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scientists say.

The right pH balance in the body is necessary for overall health. When one is too acidic (generally the result of a poor diet, high in sugar), a variety of health issues can show up. And it is true, many alternative health practitioners say it’s much better to be slightly alkaline than too acidic.

In April 2018, the Journal of Immunology medical journal published a study that showed drinking water mixed with baking soda could reduce chances of getting inflammatory conditions.

After the test subjects spent two weeks drinking the baking soda and water mixture, scientists found that their immune cells appeared to change what they were doing. Researchers said that the immune cells began to focus on reducing inflammation instead of promoting it.

It appears that the baking soda acted as a way to “turn on” the immune cells’ anti-inflammatory response. Chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases could benefit from these anti-inflammatory properties.

The scientists in the study combined 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 20 ounces of water, and the mixture was sipped throughout the day. Experts suggest starting by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drinking it a few times a week.

2. Prevents Kidney Disease

Baking soda can help promote healthier kidneys and lessen the chances of kidney disease. A clinical study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology looked at the effects of sodium bicarbonate on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and low blood bicarbonate levels.

It was found that the subjects who supplemented with bicarbonate tolerated it well and were significantly less likely to experience rapid progression of their kidney disease. Additionally, there were less patients that developed end-stage renal disease in the bicarbonate group compared to the control group. Overall, the researchers concluded that the study showed bicarbonate supplementation slows the rate of progression of renal failure.

Kidney stones are considered to be extremely painful, and once you get them, you may be more prone to have recurring kidney stones. So not only is there motivation to prevent future kidney stones, but more importantly, untreated kidney stones can sometimes worsen into kidney disease.

Kidney stones are made of a variety of substances and if kidney stones tend to be uric acid, it is because their urine is too acidic. Adjusting the pH of the urine, reduces the risk of uric acid stone formation and can also help dissolve existing stones. Sodium bicarbonate can be used to alkalinize the urine.

3. Baking Soda and Cancer

Cancer tends to flourish in an acid environment. Baking soda is known to alkalize the pH of acidic tumors without affecting the pH balance of healthy tissues and the blood.

There is some research that shows oral doses of sodium bicarbonate may lower the acidity of the tumor pH and inhibit metastases (spreading to other areas of the body) in animals with metastatic breast cancer.

Cancer cells are generally fast-growing, and chemotherapy drugs tend to target the fast-growing cells. However, many cells in solid tumors have their oxygen supply shut off, causing the pH levels of the cells become acidic.

Since baking soda neutralizes acid, some researchers believe drinking it could reduce the tumor’s acidity and cause the cells to become easier targets for cancer treatments.

So far, most of the evidence for sodium bicarbonate’s effect on cancer cells comes from animal studies and laboratory experiments—not human studies. Due to the lack of clinical studies on humans, use of sodium bicarbonate as a complementary cancer therapy should be approached with caution and always notify your doctor.

4. Stops Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections people get, according to the CDC. Women usually get them more often than men, due to the fact that their urethras are shorter, and bacteria can easily travel up the urethra.

Women who tend to get UTI’s frequently also had more acidic urine. In a study, women who took baking soda daily for four weeks had significantly less UTI’s. Overall, baking soda appears to be an easy and inexpensive way to prevent UTI’s without the side effects of antibiotic use.

5. Improves Athletic Performance, Lessens Fatigue

Competitive athletes are always looking for a way to boost their performance, and if you look at the supplement market for athletes, there is a huge variety of supplements to choose from.

Baking soda can be one of the least expensive—and legal—ways to boost performance, increase endurance, lower lactic acid, and lessen muscle soreness. Some studies show that baking soda can help you perform at your peak for longer, especially during high intensity training and sprinting.

During high intensity exercise, muscle cells produce lactic acid. Lactic acid is generally responsible for that ‘burn’ and fatigue in muscles. Since lactic acid is an acid, it lowers the pH inside your cells, causing those tired burning muscles.

Baking soda helps to counteract this fatigue as it neutralizes the lactic acid. This is thought to delay fatigue, allowing you to exercise at your peak longer.

This study found that people who took baking soda exercised for an average of 4.5 minutes longer than people who didn’t take baking soda. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, it can mean the difference between winning a sprint in a race, and not winning. The baking soda not only improves exercise output but can also help reduce damage to the muscle and helping with post-workout soreness.

While some studies recommend taking 300mg of baking soda per 1 liter of water, an hour or two before exercising, other studies suggest taking it 3 or more hours prior to exercise with food.

Note: Bicarbonate loading for athletic purposes can cause nausea, excessive gas, cramps and diarrhea that can definitely impair athletic performance. Best to start with low dose amounts of baking soda on a full stomach.

6. Relief from Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn results from an overabundance of hydrochloric acid and other acids in the stomach. It often happens from eating too much greasy, rich food or spicy foods. Sometimes food sensitivities can also spark heartburn.

Baking soda is one of the most effective remedies for heartburn. So much so, that many over the counter heartburn preparations contain baking soda, like Alka-Seltzer. For occasional heartburn, simply add half a teaspoon baking soda to two cups of water about an hour after eating.

Baking soda is not recommended for frequent heartburn, as it neutralizes the effects of stomach acid which are there to break down food. If you have heartburn on an ongoing basis, checking for food sensitivities may be a good idea.

7. Brightens and Whitens Teeth, Removes Plaque

One of the best ways to remove plaque and stains from your teeth without having to visit the dentist, is to brush with baking soda. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive to remove stains. Baking soda also helps to neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and to freshen breath.

Using baking soda can be antibacterial and can actually help eliminate germs associated with plaque. By reducing the number of germs on the teeth, the glossy surface of the tooth enamel is better protected. To brush with baking soda, wet your toothbrush, then dip into a teaspoon or so of baking soda, or mix with your favorite toothpaste.

8. Fight Colds, Flu and Sore Throats

Because baking soda helps to alkalize the blood in the body, it is thought to be an effective cold/flu preventative. Even back in 1920’s, while the Spanish flu was raging, Arm & Hammer quotes Dr. Volney S. Cheney in their booklet, “Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Medical Uses.”

“In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘flu’ with the U. S. Public Health Service it was brought to my attention that rarely anyone who had been thoroughly alkalinized with bicarbonate of soda contracted the disease, and those who did contract it, if alkalinized early, would invariably have mild attacks.

I have since that time treated all cases of colds and influenza…by first giving generous doses of bicarbonate of soda, and in many, many instances within 36 hours the symptoms would have entirely abated…”

While the treatment for colds and flu has no formal scientific studies, it is harmless and can even be good for you and is worth giving it a try. Numerous anecdotal accounts of baking soda preventing colds or flu have been passed on through the years.

Recommended dosages from the Arm & Hammer Company for colds and influenza back in 1925 were:

• Day 1 — Take six doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water, at about two-hour intervals
• Day 2 — Take four doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water, at the same intervals
• Day 3 — Take two doses of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in glass of cool water morning and evening, and thereafter ½ teaspoon in glass of cool water each morning until cold symptoms are gone.

9. Helps Sore Throats

Sore throats often accompany colds and flu, and while the saltwater gargle has been a popular natural soothing agent, baking soda and water—or baking soda, salt and water, can help relieve a sore throat too.

Gargling with this solution can also kill bacteria that may reside in the throat, and also prevent the growth of yeast and fungi.

Because baking soda is a natural anti-inflammatory, baking soda appears to direct immune cells to reduce inflammation, instead of prompting it. In other words, baking soda helps boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response, putting out a calming signal instead of an emergency attack signal, which is most likely why baking soda is effective at helping colds, flu and sore throats.

According to the National Cancer Institute, gargling and gently swishing a combination of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt every three hours will help.

10. Soothes Canker Sores

Canker sores occur on the inside of the mouth and it’s thought they generally come from a diet too high in acid-forming foods, such as processed foods, acidic food or drinks, and sugar. The higher acid content in the body, combined with inflammation is thought to cause the canker sore.

When the alkalizing baking soda comes into contact with acid, it neutralizes it. Baking soda on canker sores helps to balance the pH of the sore and speeds up the healing of the whole mouth. It also helps to kill bacteria and freshen the breath.

11. Soothes Skin Rashes, Bug Bites and Sunburn

Skin rashes, eczema, mosquito bites, bee stings, poison ivy, sunburn and even splinters, can all be soothed and helped with baking soda.

Itchiness, redness and irritation are all a result of inflammation in the skin. The anti-inflammatory virtues of baking soda ease the itchiness and burn from all these skin conditions.

Simple make a paste and apply it to the affected area—or add 1 cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak in it for 15 minutes.

For splinters, make a paste of baking soda, apply a small bandage to cover the area and within a day or so, the splinter usually comes out of the skin on its own.

When to Avoid Baking Soda

Like everything else in life, ingesting too much baking soda can be too much of a good thing. A tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water and taken occasionally is okay, but taking too much could have adverse effects.

For many people, ingesting baking soda can cause vomiting, gas, cramping and diarrhea. It’s always good to consult with your health care professional when starting to use baking soda on any regular basis.

Baking soda can interact with certain medications.

High sodium concentrations in baking soda can cause high blood pressure, seizures, dehydration, and kidney issues. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before supplementing with baking soda, especially if you are being treated for a specific health issue.

Speaking of baking soda…

My friend Susan Patterson wrote an entire book called The Baking Soda Secret, and she wants to ship it to you for FREE!

* How to use Baking Soda as a natural replacement for many products currently in your home like deodorant, toothpaste and even cleaning products.

* The exact recipe she uses to make healthy, energy-filled meals.

* How to soothe skin irritated by eczema, bug bites, bee stings and more.

* A powerful flu-fighting tonic that can help banish symptoms in hours.

* Countless beauty hacks including a hair rinse, face mask, and dark spot remover.

All of this and so much more!

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References
https://www.verywellhealth.com/baking-soda-cancer-5086575
https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-causes-kidney-stones-and-what-to-do-2019051716656
https://www.thehealthy.com/home-remedies/healthy-uses-baking-soda/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/baking-soda-uses/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/baking-soda-may-be-what-the-doctor-ordered-for-rheumatoid-arthritis#How-baking-soda-works
https://www.verywellhealth.com/baking-soda-for-inflammation-5093321
https://draxe.com/health/kidney-stone-symptoms/
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/914574
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180425093745.htm
https://www.miraclesofhealth.com/10-benefits-of-baking-soda/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/baking-soda-benefits-uses#2.-Mouthwash

The post Eleven Healthy Reasons to Use Baking Soda Every Day appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Ladies, ever had this experience?

You’re walking down the street, dressed in a nice pair of slacks or shorts and you suddenly have to sneeze. And, well it’s allergy season, so maybe you sneeze two or three times. Next thing you know, you’re wet down there–and there’s a big spot on your pants. Frustrating? Embarrassing?

Or how about you go meet your friends for coffee, stop at the store on the way home and you are running inside and barely make it to the bathroom before you ‘spill’ over. Then there is that great group fitness class that everyone has been raving about. You sign up and show up for class full of energy and enthusiasm—until you all have to start doing ‘jumping jacks’. You turn and head for the door. Because you’ve sprung a leak!

Yep, those ‘oops’ leaks are what we call “urinary incontinence”. And you are definitely NOT alone.

Some people with this real medical condition have frequent or sudden urges to urinate. Or you just can’t hold it in when you have to sneeze, laugh, jump, lift any weight, etc.

While this problem can happen to men or women, women experience this about twice as often. Up to 45-50% of women—especially over the age of 40—experience this problem to some degree. And unfortunately, it can worsen with age.

Why do women get this more often? A big reason is pregnancy and childbirth. Especially if you happen to have had childbirth that necessitated forceps or an episiotomy. Often the stress and strain, along with possibly injury to nerves in the pelvic area due to childbirth can contribute to urinary incontinence.

Other health issues can also contribute to this problem. Diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause weakness or damage the nerves that control your bladder. Some urinary tract infections can make this especially difficult, along with kidney problems, tumors, medications, and cancer treatments.

Other factors that can have an effect on UI’s are:

• Gender–Women definitely get this more often than men. Pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes with menopause, and our unique female anatomy account for this. But men are not immune from this–prostate gland problems also bring an increased risk.
• Age–As we age, the muscles in the bladder and urethra tend to lose some of their strength. These muscles are sphincters which can squeeze and control the urine.
• Weight–Extra weight increases pressure on your bladder and surrounding muscles, which weakens them and allows urine to leak out when you cough, sneeze or jump.
• Smoking–Tobacco use increases your risk of urinary incontinence.
• Other diseases–Neurological diseases or even diabetes may increase your risk of incontinence.

Certain foods and drinks can also overstimulate the bladder, or work as diuretics, and cause transient UI. Caffeine and alcohol are often the biggest culprits. Other foods and drinks that can cause problems include:

• Carbonated drinks and sparkling water
• Artificial sweeteners
• Chocolate
• Chili peppers
• Foods that are high in spice, sugar or acid, especially citrus fruits
• Heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants
• Large doses of vitamin C

What can you do about stopping or slowing Urinary Incontinence?

There are several things you can do to help control UI and hopefully not have to resort to wearing a pad or a diaper. Making some lifestyle changes, including dietary changes can help.

Avoid eating or drinking the ‘trigger’ foods and drinks and lose weight if necessary. Tracking your bathroom trips and retraining your bladder to hold increasingly more fluid can sometimes help. And there’s Kegal exercises. The problem is most people don’t stick to a plan long enough to see much in the way of positive results.

For serious UI issues, there are medical treatments, but some of them can be downright risky and painful! Not to mention have some pretty unpleasant side effects. Some of the medical treatments include:

• Anticholinergic drugs which have unpleasant side effects like dry mouth, bad breath, constipation, blurred vision, increased blood pressure and even dementia.
• Botox is sometimes used on the bladder. The doctor goes up through the urethra and into the bladder. Botox is then injected straight into the wall of the bladder, slowing down the contractions. This uncomfortable procedure will have to be repeated every 6-9 months when the Botox wears off.
• Vaginal inserts
• Injections of certain substances can actually thicken your urethra wall so it seals more tightly to stop urine from leaking.
• Nerve stimulation therapy is where a small device – about the size of a stopwatch – is implanted under the skin of your hip. It sends mild electric impulses to the nerve that controls your bladder muscles.
• A female sling is one of the more common surgical treatments. A strip of mesh is placed under the urethra to support the area. Slings have had mixed success and often have to be redone.
• Physical therapy can actually help to retrain, strengthen or even relax certain pelvic muscles that have to do with bladder control.

While all these solutions seem not only complicated, risky, or downright painful, there is a better solution.

Speaking of urinary incontinence…

Stretch THIS muscle to stop embarrassing “pee leaks” (women only)

It may be uncomfortable for some, but this issue affects over 15 million women in the U.S. alone…

Incontinence.

And one of our good friends and health contributors has experienced this in a deeply personal way.

Health and Fitness Expert, Alex Miller, was devastated the day her mother nearly died.

But she never could have guessed that battling this traumatic experience would cause her mom to suffer from humiliating “pee leaks” for years.

Her mom felt like she wasn’t in control of her body anymore.

She was ashamed.

Frustrated.

And embarrassed to be a woman.

Alex’s strong confident mother was now struggling to even want to leave the house.

And Alex was heartbroken.

That’s when she decided something had to change…

And she dedicated her life to finding a solution.

But she never would have guessed that this search to help her mom would lead her to discover the shocking secret that is causing most women to suffer from involuntary leakage…

And a strange upper body stretch that would not only help her mom, but thousands of women around the world to stop peeing their pants.

=> CLICK HERE TO LEARN THE STRANGE UPPER BODY STRETCH THAT STOPS BLADDER LEAKAGE

References
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/urinary-incontinence
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808
https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/patients-visitors/blog/8-causes-of-urinary-leaks-and-8-ways-to-stop-them

The post The Embarrassing Secret Most Women Over Forty Deal With… appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

If you’ve ever forgotten where you parked your car, lost your keys in your own house, or walked into a room and forgot why you went there, you are not alone. We all have days like that. But often as we get older, forgetfulness tends to cause more than just temporary anxiety. We sometimes jump to the conclusion that we are getting dementia or have Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are words that strike fear into many of us. Growing older, losing our ability to remember, think, reason, speak, or care for ourselves is not the way we want to view our own aging or that of our loved ones.

There are many forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s itself does not have a specific test to determine its presence; doctors merely rely on a cluster of symptoms to recognize it. Doctors often diagnose dementia as a generalized disorder that affects the brain causing memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and even physical manifestations.

Other symptoms of dementia of various types include:

• short-term memory loss
• difficulty speaking and communicating
• mood changes
• apathy
• difficulty completing tasks
• confusion
• difficulty following a conversation
• loss of sense of direction
• difficulty recognizing loved ones and familiar faces
• difficulties walking or moving around

Dementia is one of the most commons forms of disability and dependency among elderly people. Dementia can have a major impact physically, psychologically, socially, and economically, not only on those with dementia, but also on families, loved ones and caregivers.

Dementia is a syndrome – usually of a chronic or progressive nature – in which there is deterioration the ability to process thought, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, judgement and even movement.

Since dementia is so common—especially in the elderly, there’s probably a good chance your life has been touched by someone with dementia. However, it’s important to note that dementia is not a necessary part of aging. By taking care of your health, and avoiding processed foods, sugar and starchy carbohydrates and excessive alcohol, you can lessen your chances of getting dementia.

One of the most important things to note is that many health conditions can create similar symptoms to dementia. Don’t let the doctor just diagnose dementia for you or any of your loved ones without checking into the below health issues, which can mimic dementia—and are often reversible.

1. Gluten Reactions

Gluten reactions and celiac disease are reactions to gluten in wheat, rye, and barley. The classic symptoms of gluten sensitivity show up as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, cramping and nutrient deficiencies. A standardized blood test can check for this immune response and is diagnosed in a small percentage of people.

However, other subtle symptoms of gluten sensitivity include headaches, skin rashes, skin breakouts, brain fog, depression, anxiety, ADHD and even anemia, even if the test for celiac disease is negative.

While the standard gluten sensitivity lab test may turn up negative, one can still have serious physical and mental reactions to gluten and other components in wheat, rye and barley. The standard test for celiac disease, looks for a reaction to ONE specific gliadin, alpha gliadin and tissue transglutaminase, tTG-2. So, a doctor may call a celiac test “negative” for celiac disease even in the presence of bad reactions to other wheat proteins or transglutaminases.

For every ONE case of celiac disease diagnosed, 6.4 cases of gluten intolerance remain undiagnosed—many with NO obvious GI symptoms at all.
That means that only about 15 percent of people with gluten issues are actually diagnosed.

Celiac disease does major damage to the small intestine and destroys its sensitive lining that absorbs nutrients from food, especially the B vitamins, which have much to do with nerves, the brain and moods.

A well-known neurologist from Mayo Clinic, Keith Josephs, MD made the connection between gluten and dementia when he examined a patient suspected of having a type of dementia called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. While this patient did not have CJD, they did have celiac disease with dementia as a result.

Mayo clinic gastroenterologist and celiac disease expert Joseph Murray, MD, says he was surprised that the link was so strong. “I was not expecting that there would be so many celiac disease patients with cognitive decline,” he said.

In other similar cases, the celiac symptoms and mental decline occurred simultaneously. Many patients have recovered mental function when they followed gluten-free diets. Strict avoidance of wheat and other gluten-containing grains is the main treatment for celiac disease.

The connection between celiac disease and mental deterioration is not fully known but it could be a combination of several factors. One theory is that the immune response to celiac disease attacks the brain.

Gluten can also cause an immune reaction in the gut, breaking down its all-important immune system. When the body’s immune function is low, candida (see below) and other opportunistic organisms will grow out of hand. Another problem with gluten is overall increase in inflammation in the body, which can trigger dementia and brain fog. Strict avoidance of all gluten in all foods will stop triggering the celiac/gluten reaction and can help reverse this condition. Keep in mind it may sometimes take 6 months or more for the body to fully recover from the inflammation and chronic reactions from gluten.

2. Candida Overgrowth

Candida albicans is a common species of a type of fungus that grows naturally in the human gut, mouth, and vagina. This yeast is mostly harmless, but in many people, it can grow out of control, causing a wide range of health issues including thrush (yeast infection in mouth), vaginal yeast infections, bladder infections, toenail fungus, brain fog and confusion.

A new study, which appears in the journal Nature Communications, shows that this fungal infection can also enter the brain, causing inflammation and impairing memory, much like dementia. This fungal infection can also lead to the formation of abnormal structures in the brain, very similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease.

In a research experiment, C.albicans was injected into mice. The fungus penetrated the blood-brain barrier and triggered a type of inflammatory response that created amyloid structures (similar to Alzheimer’s patients) around the yeasts in the brain. Mice with the infection showed reduced memory and confusion. However, when the yeast infection was eliminated, memory and confusion went away.

Yeast overgrowth in the gut can result from a diet high in carbohydrates, sugars, processed foods and gluten. Other things that can cause yeast to grow out of control include:

• Antibiotics
• Food allergies
• Alcohol
• Weakened immune system
• Chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• Celiac disease or IBD

Yeast overgrowth also crowds out the beneficial bacteria in the gut, causing an imbalance in healthy gut bacteria. All of this leads to brain fog and confusion.

The candida in the gut actually lives off of sugar and starches, fermenting it to produce energy. Another very common symptom of Candida overgrowth is intense sugar cravings—those are actually the little yeasts in the gut telling their host to ‘feed’ them!

This fermentation process produces chemical byproducts, alcohol and acetaldehyde, which are actually toxic to the body. Here are a few of the ways acetaldehyde impairs cognitive function and causes brain fog:

• Reduces the amount of oxygen carried by red blood cells to your brain.
• Causes a deficiency in vitamin B1, which plays a critical role in brain function.
• Damages nerve cells in a similar way to chronic alcoholism or Alzheimer’s.

The good news is that candida overgrowth can be eliminated by a variety of medications, both natural and pharmaceutical. Pharmaceutical medications include Nystatin which is more gentle to the system, or fluconazole (Diflucan).

Some of the natural solutions to candida overgrowth include oregano extract capsules, pau d’arco tea or capsules, grapefruit seed extract, caprylic acid, curcumin, kombucha tea, probiotics and garlic extract. Keep in mind, symptoms of candida may feel worse as the treatment causes a ‘die-off’ reaction. Dietary changes will necessary to eliminate carbohydrates, alcohol, and all sugars.

Once the candida overgrowth is eliminated, brain fog usually clears, memory improves, and people should feel as sharp as ever.

3. B Vitamin Deficiencies

The B vitamins represent a group of essential dietary nutrients that work together and are absolutely essential for every aspect of brain and nerve function. B vitamins are water soluble and are easily washed out of the system and can also be taken at higher levels without toxicity. In fact, most research on B vitamins shows that they actually should be taken at levels well above the current dietary recommendations.

The B-vitamins, including vitamins B12, B6, B1, B2, niacin (B3) and folate (B9), have been implicated as protective risk factors against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Most diets are lacking in B vitamins in sufficient quantities to supply what is needed. In addition, many people do not metabolize B vitamins well enough to have them do what is necessary to preserve health.

People who possess the MTHFR gene variant (present in 50-70% of population), or who have Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or problems with their gut microbiome may also be susceptible to B vitamin deficiencies, especially B12 and B9 (folate). Vegans cannot get B12 from their diets, and so are often deficient in B12, as well as people who take metformin for diabetes.

Niacin (B3) deficiency is a known cause of pellagra, a disease characterized by symptoms of dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis that can be resolved through niacin supplementation. The symptoms include psychosis, disorientation, memory loss, and confusion. Niacin deficiency is common in populations that consume large amounts of corn or sorghum, but can occur also as a result of alcoholism or gastrointestinal disease.

Aging people are especially at risk of poor metabolism of B vitamins, especially B12. As people age, the ability to absorb B12 declines. Stomach acids required to break down and absorb vitamins decline with age. And, people who take medication for stomach acid reduction are at very high risk for a B12 deficiency.

B vitamin deficiencies, especially B12, often manifest in brain function problems, or nerve dysfunction, such as numbness and tingling in feet and hands. The body’s inability to correctly absorb B12, a vitamin found in animal products like meat, cheese, eggs and milk, has been linked to neurological disorders.

Depression, dementia and mental impairment are tied to B12 and also to folate deficiencies, especially in the elderly. A new study by The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging at Trinity College in Dublin has found that an alarming number of older adults over 50 are deficient in both vitamin B12 and folate, another B vitamin. One out of 8 participants were deficient in B12 and one in 7 deficient in folate, with deficiencies increasing with age.

Low B12 is actually associated with brain shrinkage, along with diminished brain function. Low B12 can mimic symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia, with confusion and brain fog. Other symptoms associated with B vitamin deficiency include:

• Pins and needs feeling in hands and feet
• Trouble walking (also a sign of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s)
• Fatigue
• Fast heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Sores in mouth or on tongue
• Problems with thinking clearly, loss of memory, brain fog
• Irritability
• Decreased appetite

Excessive use of alcohol can also result in another form of B vitamin-related dementia, called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, which is caused by severe, long term deficiencies of the B vitamin thiamine.

If caught early enough, B vitamin deficiencies can be reversible, and the proper B vitamin supplements can even slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

B vitamins should be taken in higher doses than the recommended daily amount (since they are water soluble and any excess is excreted), and should be in a form that is easily broken down and utilized in the body such as methylcobalamin for B12, and methylfolate for folate. B6 should be taken in the form of Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, or P-5-P or PLP, instead of the more common form of pyridoxine hydrochloride.

4. Thyroid

Thyroid dysfunction is often associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough active thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4.

Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. Low thyroid also causes low levels of essential brain chemicals such as dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, which have been associated with poor brain health and issues such as dementia, depression, and even Parkinson’s disease.

Hypothyroidism often occurs in middle age or elderly people with more females than males affected (about 1 male to every 5 females). The gradual progression of hypothyroidism can make it hard to distinguish from primary dementia. As a consequence, when hypothyroidism has been going on for some time, dementia is a normal consequence.

Older adults who have hypothyroidism will have deficits in memory, intelligence, visual perception and even motor skills such as walking. These people may also have anemia, extreme fatigue, intolerance to cold, dry skin, a hoarse voice, weight gain, slow heart rate, and constipation—all things are often viewed as ‘normal’ for an aging person.

Lab work is vital for anyone showing these symptoms, especially an aging person. General hypothyroidism can be tested by a simple TSH test, but this should not be the only test performed. Many people with a low thyroid will have trouble converting T3 to T4, especially if they have poor gut health. It is important to have a full thyroid panel done to show T3, T4 and free and total levels as well. Treatment with thyroid supplementation (especially medication that includes both T3 and T4) can help reverse this health condition.

5. Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are fairly common in elderly people and while most of us recognize a UTI by the burning feeling and urgency when we urinate, often the first sign in an elderly person is sudden onset dementia. Even if your loved one hasn’t officially been diagnosed with dementia, you may notice that dementia-like symptoms, such as confusion, come on fairly quickly.

UTI’s result when bacteria, often e.coli bacteria, enters the urethra and travels to the bladder. If left untreated, the bacteria can also move to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection, which becomes even more serious. Women are more susceptible to UTI’s than men; however, people with in-dwelling catheters, diabetes, or a weak immune system may be more at risk—whether male or female.

Women who have passed menopause age are at a higher risk for UTIs because they don’t have as much estrogen in their system. Estrogen actually tends to help prevent UTI’s in younger females.

Because most people who get a UTI complain of painful burning urination, possible fever, or lower back pain, this condition often can go un-diagnosed in older people. Caregivers, family members and loved ones can be alert to this condition and be sure anyone with sudden unusual behavior gets checked for a UTI.

Behavior can include confusion, agitation, withdrawal, fantasy stories, manic episodes, yelling, crying and agitation. Other symptoms include:

• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hallucinations
• Extreme fatigue
• Unable to complete simple tasks they could do before
• Urinary incontinence
• Cloudy or even pink or brown colored urine
• Strong odor to the urine

The most important thing to remember about the link between UTI and dementia is that the behavior change is usually very noticeable, and happens quickly, usually over a period of one to two days. Antibiotics are given to clear up the infection and should be given as soon as possible. Infections that are left untreated can spread to the kidneys and beyond, and can be life-threatening. Once treatment is completed, the dementia should be reversible.

6. Poor Air Quality and Allergies

Did you know that older women who live in areas where air pollution is worse are 92% more likely to develop dementia than those who live in areas with cleaner air, according to a 2017 study. The link was the strongest in women who inherited the APOE4 gene and area more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. And, if you look at these results across the general public, that means that air pollution, including high ozone levels, can be responsible for about 21% of dementia cases.

Breathing in tiny particles that float around in dirty air can trigger inflammation throughout the body and brain. Inflammation is one of the triggers that helps push people towards Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The same thing goes with environmental allergies. Inflammation from environmental allergies like dust, mold and pollen, can create brain fog, which over time can cause chronic forgetfulness, memory issues, and slowed responses, leading to dementia.

Seasonal pollen allergies can cause sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and a foggy-feeling head, which leads to an inability to concentrate, focus and stay alert. They can also cause irritability, and even depression and anxiety.

Most seasonal allergies occur in the spring, summer and fall, but with the warming climate, many seasonal allergies have been extended into longer periods. People often take over the counter antihistamines for seasonal allergies, but for many people, taking allergy medication can actually contribute to dementia!

A 2016 study published in JAMA Neurology shows brain imaging that detects how anti-cholinergic drugs impact the brain. By utilizing MRI and PET scan imaging technology, the researchers were able to show how people taking anti-cholinergic drugs experienced lower brain metabolism and higher brain atrophy. Participants taking the anti-cholinergic drugs also tested worst on memory tests.

Anti-cholinergic drugs include some antihistamines like Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

When allergy season strikes, there are healthy alternatives to allergy medications. Try essential oils instead to relieve symptoms naturally—without the unhealthy side effects.

7. Mold Toxicity

There are literally thousands of different molds floating around in the air, the soil, in your home, and even in your foods. A few of these molds can be very toxic to humans. One of them is black mold. Mold allergies and mold toxicity, however, are two different things and you do not have to be allergic to mold to react negatively to toxins in the mold.

Toxic mold based illness is actually a very common, but un-diagnosed condition that can show up in many different ways, including serious brain fog, confusion, memory loss and even depression/anxiety. While only about 25% of us are vulnerable to mold reactions, a whole family can be living in the same house, but only one family member will react to mold.

Mold growth happens often in housing and buildings, especially older buildings. Mold gives off toxins which can accumulate in the body and create a variety of health problems. Toxic mold actually gives off volatile toxic vapors that float around in the air causing a chronic inflammatory response.

Mold toxicity can manifest with so many different and diverse symptoms, that it is frequently misdiagnosed. It is likely that some cases of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, histamine intolerance, irritable bowel, leaky gut, multiple sclerosis and even Lyme syndrome, can be caused or exacerbated from a chronic inflammatory response caused by toxic mold.

Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, weakness, clumsiness, headache, blurred vision, memory problems, confusion, disorientation, mood swings, slurring of words and dizziness.

Some companies specialize in mold testing and mold mitigation. One of the more cost effective and reliable means of testing your home is with mold growth plates which can be purchased online. Laboratory tests can also identify some mold toxins that show up in the urine as well.

The good news is that once a mold toxicity diagnosis is made, this can be a very treatable and reversible condition. Some treatments include using natural binders such as charcoal and clay, which trap the toxins and to remove them from the body. Other natural treatments include taking probiotics such as Saccromyces Boulardi, and anti-fungals such as oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract or nystatin.

Stay Sharp and Help Keep Your Loved Ones Sharp

Medications are also common culprits in mental decline and dementia. As we age, the liver becomes less efficient at metabolizing toxins and drugs, and the body has a harder time getting rid of these potentially harmful products.

As a result, drugs and other toxins tend to accumulate in the body. Elderly people in poor health and those taking several different medications are especially vulnerable. Keep an eye out for these drugs that can cause dementia-like symptoms:

• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Parkinson Drugs
• Anti-Anxiety Medications
• Cardiovascular Drugs
• Anticonvulsants
• Corticosteroids
• Narcotics
• Sedatives

More than 50 conditions can cause or mimic the symptoms of dementia, with a small percentage of dementias that are reversible. Staying tuned in to your health and that of your loved ones will help you be aware of any of these reversible conditions, so that you can stop the damage and restore brain health to live a long, healthy and happy life.

References
https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/Dementia/Other-forms-of-dementia/Metabolic-diseases/Thyroid-disorders
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
https://www.amymyersmd.com/2018/01/whats-behind-brain-fog-banish/
https://draxe.com/health/dementia/
https://www.beingpatient.com/b12-brain-health-dementia/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/popular-drugs-for-colds-allergies-linked-to-dementia/
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/whats-causing-your-memory-loss.htm
https://www.consultant360.com/exclusives/revisiting-dementia-s-relationship-hypothyroidism
https://www.pathwayshealth.org/home-health-topics/link-uti-dementia-older-adults/
https://bebrainfit.com/seasonal-allergies-brain-fog/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324106.php
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/holistic-psychiatry/201708/mold-toxicity-common-cause-psychiatric-symptoms?sfns=mo
https://www.consultant360.com/exclusives/revisiting-dementia-s-relationship-hypothyroidism
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/candida-symptoms-treatment#section8
https://www.health.com/alzheimers/memory-loss-dementia-surprising-risk-factors
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/news/20061013/celiac-disease-linked-dementia#1
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20181022-there-is-mounting-evidence-that-herpes-leads-to-alzheimers

The post 7 Reversible Health Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling & Mike Geary
Co-authors of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

The powerful health benefits of cranberries, including urinary tract health, digestion, cancer fighting, etc

I just picked up a bag of fresh cranberries at the store and started thinking about this amazing little round berry that is spotlighted this time of year. Turns out it has some truly amazing properties! These bright red, VERY tart berries, are related to blueberries,  and they, too, that they are packed with amazing antioxidants and super nutrients!

Native Americans actually ate cranberries cooked and sweetened with honey or maple syrup—the beginnings of the traditional cranberry sauce, as we know and love.  Cranberries were also used as a red dye, but more importantly–as a medicine, they were used as a poultice for wounds and for preventing infections. The powerful tannins in them help to contract the tissues and stop bleeding, and some of the compounds in cranberries also contain some powerful antibiotic effects as well.

Cranberries and Digestion

Cranberries and cranberry juice have a reputation for helpful in preventing or treating urinary tract infections.  The most recent studies now suggest that this little red superberry is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract, prevents cavities, helps prevent kidney stones, aids in recovery from strokes, prevents cancer, and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises HDL (good) cholesterol.

Compounds in cranberry juice can actually disable the dangerous E. coli bacteria–even the antibiotic-resistant strains. E. coli, is actually a class of powerful microorganisms that are responsible for a wide variety of illnesses that can run the gamut from urinary and kidney infections, to gastroenteritis (nausea and vomiting), and even tooth decay. These bacteria are altered by particular tannins (called proanthocyanidins) that are found in cranberries. The tannins actually prevent the harmful bacteria from adhering to our cells in the body, which is the first step in any infection.

Fighting Viruses

Cranberries are also pretty powerful fighting viruses—something that antibiotics just can’t touch. Antibiotics can only fight bacteria. When researchers exposed three different viral species of E. coli and the GI-related rotavirus SA-11, to commercially available cranberry juice, the viruses were all completely neutralized. This type of response, however, is dose-dependent, and you have to drink at least 20% unsweetened, undiluted cranberry juice (Phytomedicine, January, 2007).

You know that probiotics are great for gastrointestinal health, but did you know that cranberries also benefit the healthy probiotics that grow in your digestive tract, while killing off more harmful bacteria such as Listeria (responsible for food poisoning) and h.pylori (responsible for gastric ulcers).

Also published in this same journal was a study noting that compounds isolated from cranberry juice actually prevent the major cause of tooth decay.  Of course, if you eat cranberries loaded with sugar, you will defeat that benefit, since sugar is responsible for the growth of tooth decay. Only blueberries had the same benefits, but their protection was much weaker.

Cranberries contain quinic acid, which is an acidic compound that is not broken down in the body, but actually comes out unchanged through the urine. Quinic acid causes urine to become slightly acidic, which is sufficient to prevent kidney stones from forming. In patients who have recurrent kidney stones, cranberry juice has been shown to reduce and break down calcium in the urine by more than 50%, and calcium is the primary substance of kidney stones.

Cholesterol and Antioxidants

Cranberries have also been shown to have a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), and increased HDL cholesterol. In one study, participants’ HDL increased an average of 10% after drinking three glasses of cranberry juice per day–an increase that corresponds to about a 40% reduction in heart disease.

In this same study, subjects’ overall antioxidant levels increased by as much as 121% after three servings of juice per day. Increased antioxidant levels are associated with a decreased risk of cancers, aging, Alzheimer’s, and many other diseases, as well as heart disease. Cranberries also improve blood vessel function, so they can help individuals who already have atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries).

These pretty, red, phytochemical powerhouses are packed with 5 times the antioxidant content of broccoli, and rank highest among most fruits and vegetables. Compared to 19 other common fruits, cranberries were found to contain the highest level of antioxidant phenols and the highest free-radical scavenging capacity of all of them! Cranberries were followed by by apples, red grapes, strawberries, pineapples, bananas, peaches, lemons, oranges pears and grapefruits.

Cranberries and Cancer

Several newly discovered substances in cranberries have been found to be toxic to a cancer tumor cells—including lung, cervical, prostate, breast and leukemia cancers. The same Cornell study that confirmed cranberries as having high levels of antioxidants also found that cranberries had the strongest ability to stop the spread of cancer cells, as well as stopping tumor growth.

Cranberries have a pretty short season—they are harvested between Labor Day and Halloween and show up in your grocery store around October through the end of December. Fresh cranberries, which contain the highest levels of nutrients and phytochemicals, arrive just in time to add their bright red festive hue, tart tangy flavor and numerous health benefits to holiday meals. When cranberry season is over, cranberries are available as cranberry juice, or dried or frozen.

How To Choose Cranberries

Choose fresh plump cranberries, deep red in color, that are firm to the touch.

Firmness is a primary indicator of quality and freshness. The deeper red their color, the more highly concentrated the healthy phytochemical compounds.

Fresh cranberries have more antioxidants than dried; organic undiluted cranberry juice contains a high amount of the beneficial compounds, and bottled cranberry drinks and cranberry cocktails with added sugars or low calorie sweeteners contain the least—plus you want to avoid the sugar and corn syrup added to these!  If you choose unsweetened cranberry juice, you can just add stevia to make it sweeter, but without the added sugar.

Fresh cranberries can be stored in your refrigerator or freezer for a few months. Once frozen, cranberries keep for over a year. Once thawed, frozen berries will be quite soft and should be used immediately in smoothies, pies or other dishes.

Dried cranberries are sold in many grocery stores as snacks. Look for dried cranberries without added sugars or oils if possible. For cancer prevention, it’s better to eat whole cranberries, not just the cranberry juice.

You can take advantage of cranberries’ tartness by substituting them for vinegar or lemon juice when dressing your green salads. Toss the greens with a little olive oil then add a handful of raw chopped cranberries. You can easily increase your intake by simply topping off a cup of yogurt or green salad with a half cup of cranberries—or try tossing them into your smoothie, or sprinkling over your cereal.

For an easy-to-make salad that will immediately become a favorite, place 2 cups fresh berries in your food processor, along with ½ cup of fresh pineapple chunks, a quartered skinned orange, an organic sweet apple (such as one of the Delicious variety) and a handful or two of walnuts or pecans. Blend till well mixed but still chunky. Dice 3-4 stalks of celery, add to the cranberry mixture and stir till just combined.

For a delicious drink, combine unsweetened organic cranberry juice with your favorite fruit juice and sparkling mineral water for a refreshing spritzer. If this is too tart, try it with a touch of stevia added as sweetener. Sprinkle a handful of dried cranberries over a bowl of hot oatmeal, barley, or any cold cereal.

Try this awesome recipe below for dinner…It’s amazing!

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cranberry Salsa

In a scene straight out of the TV cooking show series, “Chopped” I was looking to make something tasty for dinner and being in a hurry, I decided to just use what I could find in the fridge.

Hmm…an orange, cilantro, some fresh cranberries, and a piece of frozen wild caught coho salmon. Ok!

I decided to make salsa out of the cranberries and serve it with the salmon. I was delighted with how good it was! You will be too, when you try this recipe.

The tart taste of the fresh cranberries mixes with the sweetness of the orange and picks up the flavor of the salmon in a fresh new way. Your taste buds will be absolutely delighted!

Ingredients

• 2-4 wild caught salmon fillets (sockeye salmon is great with this-it has a firmer texture and sweeter taste)
• Jerk seasoning (I used a pre-made powdered rub)
• 1 cup (or so) fresh cranberries, chopped with a knife, or lightly processed in food processor
• ½ small red onion
• 1-2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 orange, tangerine or blood orange, sectioned and cut in pieces
• Juice of half a lime
• Hot pepper flakes, to taste
• 2-4 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp or so honey or maple syrup, to taste
• Sea salt

Directions

Chop cranberries, and mix with orange, onion, lime, cilantro and hot pepper flakes. Season the salmon with jerk seasoning, and grill or broil till tender and flaky.  Serve topped with cranberry mixture. Enjoy!  Serves 2-4.

If you want an amazing healthy dessert treat made with cranberries, try this recipe:

White chocolate bark with cranberries & pistachios

And here’s a recipe below from my good friend Danette May on how to make healthier lower-sugar cranberry sauce that tastes great:

Healthier lower sugar cranberry sauce

References:

World’s healthiest foods, www.whfoods.org, 2001-2010 The George Mateljan Foundation

Allison DG, Cronin MA, Hawker J, Freeman S. Influence of cranberry juice on attachment of Escherichia colito glass. J Basic Microbiol. 2000;40(1):3-6. 2000.

Burger O, Weiss E, Sharon N, Tabak M, Neeman I, Ofek I. Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucus by a high-molecular-weight constituent of cranberry juice. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2002;42(3 Suppl):279-84. 2002.

Farnier M, Garnier P, Yau C, Dejager S, Verpilleux MP. Prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: The ECHOS (Etude du Cholesterol HDL en Observationnel) French Survey. Int J Clin Pract. 2006 Oct;60(10):1166-71. Epub 2006 Aug 24. 2006. PMID:16942588.

Howell AB. Cranberry proanthocyanidins and the maintenance of urinary tract health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2002;42(3 Suppl):273-8. 2002.

Kessler T, Jansen B, Hesse A. Effect of blackcurrant-, cranberry- and plum juice consumption on risk factors associated with kidney stone formation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Oct;56(10):1020-3. 2002.

Kruse-Elliott K., Reed J. Cranberry juice modulates atherosclerotic vascular dysfunction. Paper presented at the 35th Congress of the International Union of Physiological Sciences in San Diego, CA, April 3, 2005. 2005.

Neto C, Krueger C, Lamoureaux T, Kondo M, Vaisberg A, Hurta R, Curtis S, Matchett M, Yeung H, Sweeney M, Reed J. MALDI-TOF MS characterization of proanthocyanidins from cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon) that inhibit tumor cell growth and matrix metalloproteinase expression in vitro. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, published on-line October 17, 2005, DOI 10.1002/jsfa.2347. 2005.

Reed J. Cranberry flavonoids, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2002;42(3 Suppl):301-16. 2002.

Reid G. The role of cranberry and probiotics in intestinal and urogenital tract health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2002;42(3 Suppl):293-300. 2002.

Vinson JA, Su X, Zubik L, Bose P. Phenol antioxidant quantity and quality in foods: fruits. J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Nov;49(11):5315-21. 2001.

Yan X, Murphy BT, Hammond GB, Vinson JA, Neto CC. Antioxidant activities and antitumor screening of extracts from cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon). J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Oct 9;50(21):5844-9. 2002.

Zheng W, Wang SY. Oxygen radical absorbing capacity of phenolics in blueberries, cranberries, chokeberries, and lingonberries. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jan 15;51(2):502-9. 2003.

Lipson, Sethi, Choen, Gordon, Tan, Burdowski, Stotzky. (Jan 2007). Antiviral effects on bacteriophages and rotavirus by cranberry juice. Phytomedicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17140784

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