What Foods Boost Immune System


Fighting colds and flus doesn't have to be a yearly experience when you eat the proper foods. Explore some particular superfoods that actually boost your immune system and keep you healthy.

Your immune system is always ready for a fight as foreign cells enter your body on a daily basis. White-blood cells lead the charge as they try to balance the body into a healthy homeostasis. As you grow older, however, fighting off germs becomes difficult. There are some foods that you can eat, which will strengthen your immune system through enhanced vitamin resources.

Orange-Colored Produce

Molecular compounds called carotenoids are found in produce that's bright orange. Keep a healthy stock of sweet potatoes, carrots and squash in the house because the carotenoids within each of these items turns into vitamin A as the digestive system breaks them down. Your body uses this vitamin in an antioxidant capacity, which fights off infection as foreign cells invade your body. Other produce, such as pumpkin, is also rich in carotenoids. Simply look for colors as you shop, and adding vitamin A to your diet will be simple.

Oysters

Oysters can be a secret weapon against sickness because they hold countless nutrients. Their main offering is zinc, which tends to calm inflammation down. When the body becomes inflamed, certain areas are so swollen that fighting off infection is often difficult. By reducing the inflammation, zinc allows the immune response to be more centralized to the foreign body. You also gain omega-3 fatty acids, protein and calcium from oysters. All of these essential nutrients improve the body's response to germs as it recovers from almost any sickness.

Citrus

Although no foods can actually prevent sickness, citrus comes close to that ultimate dream. The vitamin C hidden within this food helps the body form defenses against invading germs. Scientists don't know exactly how vitamin C works for the immune system, but it seems to boost white-blood cells' strength against colds and flus. Try oranges, lemons and limes in your daily diet in order to achieve the best effects.

Bananas

Vitamin B6 and potassium are both found in bananas. The vitamin alone is reason enough to eat at least one banana each day because it helps your body with hundreds of critical biochemical reactions. With cells that can react with ferocity, those invading germs can be killed off before they reproduce into huge numbers.

Chicken

Get your fill of lean chicken cuts because they're rich in iron. This element is crucial to oxygen transport around the body. Without oxygen permeating your tissues, the immune system becomes weakened and allows germs to invade. Consider a chicken-based meal twice a week in order to gain the most iron out of this cut.

If fresh foods are hard to find at certain times of year, head toward the freezer aisle at the local grocery store. Frozen fruits, meats and vegetables have the same nutritional values as the items in the produce or meat sections. By being creative with your eating habits, the immune system can win out against almost any invader.

Change can be Difficult, But it's Worth It!



Staying on top of your health is one of the most important things you can do during rough periods of time. No matter whether you are dealing with an illness or trying to stop the development of one, taking a proactive approach towards your health always yields results. If you are not sure where to begin, consider some of these easy exercises and lifestyle changes you can make to live better and enjoy change at a slow, comfortable pace.

One of the most important things that all people can do to improve the quality of their health is to eat better. This means taking the time to look into nutritional information to make sure that you only put what you want into your body. Look for foods that are high in proteins and fibers and low in fats and calories to make the most out of your lifestyle.

Always exercise whenever you have the chance as well. When exercising comes to mind, many people think that it means taking time out of the day to do an entire routine. While this can bring about the best and most desired results, the fact of the matter is that any amount of exercise can help. Take a walk instead of driving, and take the stairs instead of the elevator and see what a difference it can make.

Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink as well. Alcohol, in moderation, can be a great way to enjoy some additional health benefits. However, drinking in excess can have the opposite effect. Reducing the frequency of other bad habits, such as smoking and taking recreational drugs can also have a profoundly positive effect on your health.

Finally, be sure to stay social and reduce stress. Keeping your overall stress levels low is one of the best ways for you to achieve a longer life. Stress is directly linked to a number of different diseases, and taking the time to relax and enjoy a slower pace can be tremendously beneficial. Take some time out of your busy day to enjoy the activities that reduce your stress levels and be sure to keep up with friends to improve your efforts further.

Seatbelt Use Important in ALL Seats


Be sure to fasten your seatbelt, regardless of what seat you’re in in the car.
Hundreds of people die in car wrecks every year because they don’t buckle up in the backseat, according to a new report.
There were almost 900 deaths in 2013 among kids 8 and older who were in the backseats and not wearing their seatbelt. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), more than 400 of them would likely have survived if they had worn a seatbelt.
Sitting in the back seat and not wearing a seatbelt makes you about three times more likely to die in a wreck. Yet 32 states still do not have solid seatbelt laws for passengers in vehicle back seats.
Just 78 percent of adults who sit in the back seat wear a seatbelt, compared to 87 percent of adults in the front seat. Seatbelt use in fatal car crashes are 60 percent for rear passengers and 74 percent for front passengers, according to the study.
The GHSA emphasizes the need to wear your seatbelt regardless of which seat you’re in. Almost 42 million people in the United States drive 50 miles or more from home JUST for Thanksgiving. Also around Thanksgiving, there are more than 400 deaths from car accidents.
Seatbelts are there to protect passengers, and it’s important to use your seatbelt regardless of whether you are driving or sitting in a rear seat, as is common for families traveling together around holidays. Many think they are protected by the seatbacks in front of them when they’re in the back seat, but this is simply not the case.
Buckle up in every seat for every trip, no matter how far or near, front or rear. Convincing adults of this will necessitate a united effort among highway safety professionals and lawmakers alike. It will save lives, though, and be more than worthwhile.

According to the GHSA, seat belt use in states that require use in rear seats is at 83 percent compared to 74 percent in states that do not have such laws.

Top Five Reasons Mosquitos Love to Bite You



Do you ever feel as if mosquitos just love you for some reason? Well scientists say this is due to much more than paranoia. Some people are naturally more appealing to mosquitos because of the chemicals and odors they secrete. Here is why you might be a favorite for feasting mosquitoes:

1. You’re sweating
You may be one of those hard core runners, who runs no matter how hot it is outside. Well beware of the bugs. The lactic acid that is released when you sweat attracts hungry mosquitos. When you sweat a lot during intense exercise, your rising body temperature is also attractive to mosquitos looking for a warm host. It is best to work out indoors during hot, buggy days.

2. You’ve got a bun in the oven
That’s right. If you’re pregnant, the mosquitos just can’t get enough of you. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. The female ones, the ones that bite us, even have specific receptors that help them discover the gas around them. When you are pregnant, especially in the final trimester, you exhale about 21% more carbon dioxide then the rest of us. That is why pregnant women experience about twice as many bug bites on average. Researchers believe that pregnant women may also release certain odors that are pleasing to insects, drawing them closer. Make sure to wear your bug repellent this summer.

3. You are drinking an iced cold beer
Beer is tasty to mosquitos and humans. In fact, studies in West Africa and Japan show that people who drank beer rather than water were much more attractive to mosquitoes. Make sure to protect against bites at those outdoor sporting events and concerts this summer.

4. You have the right kind of blood
That’s right, blood-sucking mosquitoes have a preference when it comes to blood type, and unfortunately for people with type O, it’s you. Apparently type O blood may have a certain odor that is particularly pleasing to a hungry mosquito, and you are her number one landing preference.

5. You have that special something
Studies that include identical twins have shown that certain genetic make-up can cause you to be more susceptible to bug bites. Some people naturally repel mosquitos because of their genes, while others might actually attract bugs just by being who they are, genetically.


The best way to avoid those pesky bites is to cover up. Wear long-sleeved clothing and apply bug spray that includes DEET to your exposed skin and over your clothes. 

The Walking Movement and What it Means for You

Walking your way to good health is one of the simplest ways to achieve your fitness goals. With little impact and good conversation, the walking movement gives your body a complete workout.

There's a walking movement that's sweeping the nation, and you can be part of that trend. Whether you're taking a lunch break at work or relaxing with a group of friends, you can always perform this exercise in various situations. Take a look at this trend and its physical details, such as your speed, in order to understand what walking means for your health.

Managing the Weight

A major side effect to the walking movement is weight control. You may eat a relatively healthy diet, but your weight isn't moving in any direction. The addition of walking into your life means that you're boosting your metabolism at the same time. Because your body is burning calories more efficiently, you'll see some consistent weight loss when walking is coupled with nutritious food.

Speed Counts 

When you're 50 years of age or older, you may not be concerned with speed as you walk. However, your walking movement plays a part in your health in the form of speed. Scientists have learned that faster walkers tend to be more healthy overall. If you walk at a consistent 2.25MPH speed, you'll typically have a longer lifespan compared to slower people. 

Everyone is Doing It

Because everyone can walk, you can form a fun group of friends to get out there and challenge each other. Socializing during an exercise is psychologically helpful, which contributes to consistent walking movement. If your friends aren't available one day, you can always join up with a new crowd and enjoy fresh faces to meet.

Reducing Cardiovascular Problems

Weight loss and mental health aren't the only perks of the walking movement. Your cardiovascular system also benefits with better blood flow and fewer chances of a serious ailment. Your blood pressure may drop and cholesterol numbers might plummet as a result of your walking efforts.

Typically, you can walk in almost any weather unless it's considerably dangerous outside, such as an icy day. If the weather is less than desirable outside, you may want to try some indoor walking. Use your indoor stairs or try out a treadmill for your walking pleasure. Although you might feel a bit confined, you'll still feel the benefits of the walking movement when you perform it on a regular basis.

Try some Lemon Balm – Natural, Medicinal and Delicious



Gardeners love bee-friendly plants and herbs. Lemon Balm, officially called Melissa officinalis, is just such a bee charming herb that it is even nicknamed “Bee Balm.” Not only does lemon balm attract plant pollenating bees, it also has many health benefits and is rather tasty too.  

This perennial, medicinal herb is plentiful in many a well-groomed garden, as it grows in most climates, is low maintenance, and spreads far and wide through its roots and seeds. Lemon balm thrives during the warmer part of the year, with leaves withering during winter months, and sprouting forth again in the spring.

To add a little Lemon Balm to your life, you can ask a local gardener friend, most of them have plenty to spare. Or you can easily buy some seeds or a plant at the garden store nearby. Lemon balm promises to make your garden and your tummy happy.

The herb is delicious, with a zesty, lemony flavor and can easily be added to any recipe or brewed to make tea. Some of the tried and true uses for lemon balm are remedies for common, everyday symptoms.

Its most well-known use is as a slight sedative, which can calm your nerves, but it has many other medicinal purposes as well. Lemon balm can help soothe digestive issues, gas, bloating, or an upset stomach. It can also help with premenstrual syndrome symptoms like menstrual cramps, anxiety and irritability. The herb also can soothe mild symptoms of depression and even headaches.

So what is the easiest way to get your daily dose of soothing lemon balm? Tea of course. Use fresh leaves from your plant, placing them in the bottom of your mug. Add hot water and let the leaves steep for a few minutes before you take a sip. There is no need to strain the leaves if you are using them fresh from the garden. If you don’t have a fresh plant, you can use dried leaves from the health food store, just make sure to strain them before you drink the mixture.


Another creative way to include lemon balm in your diet is to add it as a citrus, acidic herb to your salads. This lemony, tangy herb will replace your need for lemon or a vinegar flavor in your salad. It can also be used as a citrusy garnish for a desert or even blended up into a pesto or vegetarian pate. You can get creative with this delicious and helpful, bee attracting garden herb. 

Centenarians Show that Health is the Key to Longevity


Centenarians Show that Health is the Key to Longevity
Centenarians Show that Health is the Key to Longevity

Summary: What is the secret to a healthy and long life? Centenarians share what they found out and help younger readers with a few long-term health tips.

Everyone wants to live as long as possible, but, often, few know where to start. A few obvious exercise and dieting goals may come to mind, but many younger health-conscious people may feel as though there is simply too much information to absorb. Fortunately, living healthy can be as easy as taking tips from those who already have: centenarians. Many elderly individuals shared their secrets, showing that healthy practices are the key to longevity.

Drink Plenty of Water

Every centenarian agrees: water is absolutely necessary. Don't just drink water when you think you've gone long enough without it, be sure to drink it regularly throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to regulate the body's processes and make sure that you are getting all of the necessary nutrients you need. Not only does water help in the nutritional delivery process, but it can also help remove harmful wastes and toxins from the body at an expedited rate, improving every other bodily function in the process.

Exercise Often

All centenarians discussed their active youths and put emphasis on the fact that they were still physically active to an extent, even in their present age. Whether it's weight-lifting, dancing or just taking a walk around the block, it is critical to remain physically active in order to improve the way your body functions as a whole. Physical activity trains the body's muscles and internal systems to always perform at their peak. Though there are numerous regimens and plans to maintain an active lifestyle, experts believe that as long as the body is moving, it doesn't matter what exercises you do!

Stay Social

Keeping up with friends and family is crucial throughout life. Studies show that there are numerous physical benefits that come with social ones. Those who have friends to talk with and enjoy good times with have reportedly experienced fewer stress-related problems. When staying social, the body enjoys a reduced overall level of stress and anxiety. Though many individuals concern themselves with overt issues, few realize that stress can be a silent killer. With stress and anxiety levels managed, the body is stronger and better equipped to handle other concerns.

Be Positive!

Finally, and perhaps most unsurprisingly, many centenarians believed that it was their positivity that helped them live a long and fulfilling life. Positivity, much like keeping up with friends and family, is a great way to reduce stress and improve the way the body functions. When individuals are more positive, their immune systems operate at their peak, resulting in a greatly reduced risk for a wide number of issues, including all types of diseases. With a little bit of positivity, many elderly people found that it was easier to motivate themselves to live a healthier lifestyle, such as eating right and enjoying regular walks.

Smart Advertising May Mean Healthier Food Choices for Kids



If your child is an unhealthy eater – the key to getting him or her to eat more fruits and veggies may lie in a little bit of strategic marketing.

According to a study that was recently published in the journal Pediatrics, advertising methods such as television commercials and banners can triple the chances of a child choosing healthier options during lunchtime.

The study, which took place in New York, experimented with 3 different advertising approaches in public elementary schools over the course of six weeks. A control group was first established (this group was not exposed to any marketing tactics). The first approach utilized vinyl banners, displaying animated characters in the form of vegetables with super powers. Brian Broccoli, one of the characters, is shown flexing his arms, while Colby Carrot shoots laser beams out of his eyes.

The second marketing approach involved quick video segments narrated by the characters regarding health-related topics, and the third combined both the video and the banners.

Results concluded that, when exposed to the banners alone, almost 100% more students chose vegetables from the salad bar during lunchtime. Before seeing the banners, 12% of students put veggies on their plates; after seeing the banners this number jumped up to 24%.

The third approach proved to be the most successful – by combining both the banners and the videos, there was a 239% increase in students who visited the salad bar. (The number of students who took vegetables jumped from 10% to 34%)!

Surprisingly, the video clips did not affect students’ choices. Andrew Hanks, an assistant professor of human sciences at Ohio State University and the study’s lead author, believes the banners were most successful as they were front-and-center at the salad bar and served as an easy reminder for students to make wise choices.

A similar and separate study conducted by Canadian researchers analyzed 26 previous studies regarding the link between advertising and children’s food intake. The study concluded that children who were exposed to marketing of unhealthy foods consumed more; they ate about 30 calories more of junk food than children who were not exposed.


Children under the age of 8 are very impressionable when it comes to marketing, and advertisements for low-nutrition, sugar-filled foods and beverages are essentially putting them in danger for obesity and diseases later in life. While it’s suggested that parents lead by example through eating and cooking healthy foods with their children, researchers would love to see what would happen if marketing focused on healthy foods instead of low-quality treats. 

Stem Cell Treatment May be the Future for ALS Patients



Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS is an incurable disease. Currently, 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with what is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease each year. Every step towards a possible therapeutic solution is a huge step, no matter how small.

The causes of ALS are still unknown. The disease breaks down the nerves in the spinal cord and brain that control muscle function in the body. As the muscles weaken, they eventually stop working properly. Once this effect hits the diaphragm and chest area, patients lose the ability to breathe without assistance. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, most patients die of respiratory breakdown caused by Lou Gehrig’s within the first three to five years.

Recently, a team from Emory University reported that stem cell therapy is safe for ALS patients.
In a small, early stage study on only 15 patients, data showed that the majority of them reacted well to high doses of stem cells injected into the spine, which is damaged by the disease. Only two of the ALS patients showed negative complications after the injections.

Although this is an important step towards a helpful treatment for ALS patients, it is only a start. Researchers are still unclear as to whether the injections provide any benefits to patients, they only can report that it is a safe procedure.

Several questions about the procedure remain, including whether it is safe as a long term treatment because stem cells can grow uncontrollably fast, sometimes causing cancer. Researchers are also hoping to discover the ways in which the therapy can help to slow the effects of ALS or even cure it.

If stem cells can actually infuse into the spine, they could release the type of chemicals that can shield nerve cells and the connections they have to muscles, slowing the degenerative process of ALS. The healthy nerve cells would be able to stay healthy longer, which would be a big win for ALS patients.

So far, the 15 patients responded fairly well to the stem cell injections of from 2 million to 16 million cells. Most patients experienced slight side effects of pain and reactions to the immune-suppressing drugs they had to take after each injection.


However, two patients developed serious reactions, including a swelling of the spinal cord and experiencing chronic pain. Doctors feel that these symptoms may be side effects that patients with a fatal diagnosis may be willing to accept, especially if it is proven that stem cell therapy has long term benefits. Time will tell. 

Relationship Success Determined the ‘Love Hormone’



It may no longer be a scientific mystery why some people fall in love, while others live the life of a bachelor, or why some make friends easily, while others struggle to fit in. According to a recent study, the answer may lie in our genetic make-up. If other brain disorders and chemical imbalances can be passed down genetically, maybe the trait of being ‘un-lucky in love’ can be inherited as well.

The new research shows that having low levels of oxytocin-linked DNA can affect the quality of our relationships – socially and romantically.

Some people have high levels of the ‘love hormone’ and some people do not. The OXT gene produces oxytocin, which can assist with several social behavioral skills like picking up on emotional and social cues in the face, and thinking of others.  The gene literally produces the oxytocin that sends these social cues to the brain. Without it, the cues do not compute.

In a study at The University of Georgia, 120 people were genetically tested for social skills, brain function and brain structure. This early research trial showed that people with a lower level of OXT often struggled to recognize emotions in the faces of others and tended to have more anxiety about their social and love relationships in general. Low level OXT participants also had less brain activity linked to social thinking, and less gray matter in the region of the brain that processes facial expression and social behavior. In other words, they did not experience ease and comfort when it came to social life and relationships.

Conversely, people with a higher level of the ‘love hormone’ showed less relationship issues and social anxiety.

So is the success of our social life and romantic relationships determined by a single gene? The data collection was too small and the findings too early to make any concrete determinations, but researchers, led by author Brian Haas, a professor of psychology, hope that this discovery could lead to more effective treatment and medication for social disorders like anxiety and depression. They may not be able to know how important of a role OXT plays yet in social behavior and brain function, but it most definitely plays a part.


Future studies will indicate if our ability to love is ‘written in the stars,’ or more literally in our genes, or if it is merely a factor in how we process social cues and relationships.