Health Information
Has Chronic Wasting Spread to Humans?
At least 26 U.S. states,1 three Canadian provinces and countries including South Korea, Finland, Sweden and Norway have been affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD), a contagious neurological disease that affects deer, elk, reindeer and moose. Experts are racing to understand and contain this deadly condition before it wipes out entire herds or, worse, spreads to humans — a possibility that’s been raised by a number of studies. CWD is part of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) disease family — the most notable member of...
read more‘Boiled Frog’ Game Continues as New Yorkers Face Jail Time for Skipping Measles Vaccine
On March 26, 2019, Rockland County, New York, executive Ed Day issued a state of emergency, barring children under the age of 18 who had not gotten a measles-containing MMR shot from entering public places, including schools, restaurants, churches, synagogues and public transportation.1,2,3 The ban was initially set to expire once the state of emergency was lifted in 30 days, but was cut short when an acting New York State Supreme Court judge issued an injunction lifting the state of emergency on April 5, saying the number of measles cases...
read moreEarth Day: Learn Why Biodynamic Soils Are the Healthiest
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated each year on April 22, to promote environmental awareness and protection. As noted by calendar-365.com:1 “The history of Earth Day … dates back to 1970 when it was first celebrated … It was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson to promote ecology and the respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.” You may be surprised to learn that of all the sources of pollution in our modern world, the greatest contributor is...
read more20 Alternative Flours You Should Know
If you are still baking primarily with whole wheat flour because you believe it is better for your health, you may not be aware of the many alternative flours that exist. While some are worth checking out, there are others that are best avoided altogether, such as corn flour and soy flour, which did not make the list as they are often produced from genetically engineered crops. Many of the 20 alternative flours highlighted below are gluten-free. If you have celiac disease, a gluten intolerance or have chosen to go gluten-free for other...
read moreWeekly Health Quiz: Vertigo, Fasting and Choline
1 The following food is one of the best sources of choline — an important player in cell membrane function, nerve communication and the quenching of inflammation — which many are deficient in: Skim milk cheese Instant oatmeal Raw beets Eggs Eggs are one of the best sources of choline available. According to researchers, it’s difficult to get enough choline from your diet unless you’re eating eggs or taking a dietary supplement. Learn more. 2 A primary physical effect of 5G, which relies primarily on the bandwidth of the millimeter...
read moreThe Effectiveness of Ginger for Nausea, Vomiting and More
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) was considered a luxury some 5,000 years ago. Commonly used in Indian and Chinese cooking, the root was also used as a tonic to treat common ailments. Ginger is an herbaceous perennial plant likely native to southeastern Asia. Today, as in days’ past, ginger is used both for its flavor and for its medicinal properties.1 Ginger has a slightly biting taste and is often used dried or ground to flavor sauces, curry dishes, pickles and ginger ale.2 The root may also be used to make tea. Some cultures enjoy slicing and...
read moreAn Introduction to Ulcerative Colitis
The large intestine is partly responsible for allowing good bowel movement, which is something that most people usually take for granted. But as with other parts of the body, your large intestine can also encounter its fair share of problems over time. If you’ve been experiencing abdominal cramps that are accompanied by bloody diarrhea or the urge to frequently empty your bowels, then it’s likely that your large intestine is no longer in good shape, and you may be suffering from a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) known as ulcerative...
read moreDelectable Keto Coconut Cacao Nests
Recipe by: Jennafer Ashley Every year, children and chocolate-lovers alike enjoy brightly decorated chocolate Easter eggs to celebrate Easter Sunday. Unfortunately, chocolate Easter eggs bought from supermarkets are often made from processed chocolate and loaded with excessive amounts of sugar that can put you or your loved ones at risk of chronic metabolic diseases. If you’re looking for a healthy, guilt-free Easter treat that the whole family can enjoy, this Keto Coconut Cacao Nests recipe from Jennafer Ashley of Paleohacks is a must-try!...
read moreKetoFast Explained
In the featured JJ Virgin Lifestyle Show podcast, I discuss my KetoFast protocol, which is the topic of my latest book by the same name. KetoFast is the term I coined to describe a protocol that combines three key strategies: a cyclical ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting and cyclical partial fasting. In this interview, I describe how to implement the KetoFast approach, including the meal timing and the types and amounts of foods you should be adding to your plate. “KetoFast” is the follow-up to my bestselling book “Fat for Fuel,” and I...
read moreAstaxanthin: The Super Antioxidant That Comes From the Ocean
Table of Contents The Best Astaxanthin Comes From Microalgae Studies Regarding the Benefits of Astaxanthin Side Effects of Astaxanthin Astaxanthin Supplements Can Benefit Most People Frequently Asked Questions About Astaxanthin Antioxidants play an important role in promoting health by protecting your body from free radicals, which are molecules that interfere with the function of your organs, resulting in damage.1 In this regard, many people do their best to increase their intake of well-known antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, as well as...
read moreSmell, Our Most Underestimated Sense
We humans do not appreciate our sense of smell. Compared to other senses like vision and hearing, we tend to ignore the information from our sense of smell with the exception of flowers, food being prepared and, of course, those lucky people who have discovered aromatherapy. But according to a recent documentary, “Smell — Our Most Underestimated Sense,” our sense of smell affects us much more than we realize. Certainly, we know that it protects us from dangers like fire because we smell the smoke, explosions because we smell...
read moreElectronic Music to Repel Mosquitoes?
Although you might find them annoying in the summertime, mosquitoes are an important part of the ecosystem. Mosquito larvae live in the water and provide food for fish and other wildlife, including larvae of other species such as dragonflies. Mosquito larvae eat and recycle microscopic organic matter. Adult mosquitoes are part of the diet of insect eating animals such as bats, spiders and dragonflies. They also help pollinate flowers as they drink the nectar. Opinions differ as to what would happen if mosquitoes were eradicated from the face...
read moreCottonseed Oil: America’s Original Vegetable Oil
Warning: This oil comes with potentially damaging side effects due to the ingredient it’s made from or the manufacturing process used to extract it. Because these negative effects overshadow the potential benefits, I do not recommend this oil for therapeutic use. Always be aware of the potential side effects of any herbal oil before using. Table of Contents What Is Cottonseed Oil? Uses of Cottonseed Oil Composition of Cottonseed Oil How Is Cottonseed Oil Made? Does Cottonseed Oil Have Any Health Benefits? The Drawbacks of Unrefined and...
read moreVertigo Causes and Treatments
Vertigo is a form of dizziness that makes you feel as though you’re moving or spinning even when you’re stationary. As noted by the National Health Service of England, vertigo is a symptom of an underlying condition involving either your inner ear (peripheral vertigo) or your central nervous system (central vertigo), it’s not a condition in its own right.1 In severe cases of vertigo, you may find it difficult to maintain your balance sufficiently to carry out everyday tasks. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such...
read moreJust the Thought of Coffee Can Arouse Your Brain
You know that feeling of energy and productivity you get after finishing your morning’s first cup of coffee? It turns out you can get that without even drinking a drop, just by thinking about coffee. The provocative finding not only highlights the power of thought but also suggests you may be able to get a boost just from thinking about your favorite brew — a habit that may benefit those who drink coffee too close to bedtime. To be clear, organic black coffee can be quite healthy, but for those looking to abstain (such as during...
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