Sometimes there is a crossover in the conventional pharmaceutical world. Just ask all those benefitting from the billion dollar erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (Sildenafil), which was originally used to treat hypertension. It looks like another may be added to the list. The Parkinson’s drug, levodopa (L-dopa), is showing some promise in combating the debilitating eye disease called macular degeneration. Your Magnificent Macula You may take your vision for granted, not understanding its unique mechanics. The macula is an integral part...
read moreOne of the biggest killers of humans is on the decline for the first time in decades. Diabetes type 2, the disease that has followed obesity, genes and type 1 diabetes could be on its way out. These disorders which can create high levels of glucose in the blood due to the inability to efficiently manage insulin, may possibly be responding to advancements in lifestyle changes. With a statistic like 382 million people worldwide afflicted in 2013 by diabetes (90% type 2), a decline is big news. The CDC Announcement According to the New York...
read moreThe word parasite sounds just like what it is, nasty. An interloper, something that lives in or on a living host, sucking on any available nutrients even if it means burrowing into your liver. Most parasites you can actually live with completely unaware of their microscopic existence. Other parasites can create minor to major systemic upheaval that is rarely considered the cause and may lead you to a barrage of medications you probably don’t need. These 5 herbal remedies to get rid of parasites are some good options that may be able...
read moreCoffee is one of the top worldwide beverages and many consider it a legal upper that gets their heart pumping first thing in the morning. Its smell and communal ties are cornerstones of practically every social interaction throughout the globe. Yet, there have been many concerns regarding this over-consumed drink, particularly its dehydrating, teeth staining, caffeine jittering effects. Now, a new study published in the Journal Circulation finds that coffee may be a lifesaver. Large Scale Study Combined work of researchers from Harvard...
read moreTrigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) is the painful tightening and often locking and popping during flexion of your fingers or thumb. This is due to severe internal inflammation around the sheath that houses the finger tendon. The tendon becomes impinged by the inflammation, narrowing the sheath and causing immobility. Trigger finger is often related to repetitive use syndrome (RUS) such as gripping or pushing with your fingers for many hours per day. It can also develop as a result of diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis and mostly affects...
read moreThyme is a fragrant herb used in many savory dishes. It has also been used for centuries as an ancient healing remedy for a variety of ailments. Several studies have shown thyme to compete with some of conventional medicine’s more popular drugs including ibuprofen. This is due to thyme containing the compound thymol, one of a group of naturally occurring “biocides” which are compounds capable of destroying harmful organisms and reducing bacterial resistance to penicillin. These 5 outstanding benefits of thyme show how a seemingly benign,...
read moreCould diet be the key to keeping your vision as you age? New research indicates that just may be the case! Age related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of blindness in men and women over the age of 55. The occurrence is expected to increase significantly in coming years as men and women live longer. AMD increases in risk as we age, but it does occur in younger adults as well. There are two forms of macular degeneration, the dry form and the wet form, with the wet form being more severe. Approximately 90% of cases are the dry...
read moreCould America finally be turning tides when it comes to its ‘Fast Food Nation’ status? According to Michael Specter’s article in the New Yorker (11/2/15), there just may be a changing attitude by huge food corporations, such as McDonalds, in response to current customer demand. However, is it too little too late? This demand consists of more food transparency, better nutritious choices, less unhealthy fast food and more healthy choices at the same speed. It is a type of change that could be indicative of a future that looks back with...
read moreYou may have developed a lump underneath your skin that sort of feels like a trapped, squishy marble. It does not cause pain and never moves from its common location which can be on the arms, upper thighs, neck, torso or armpits. It is important to immediately see a doctor if you have any kind of lump to make sure it’s not a serious development. However, once you’ve been checked, you may be told you have a lipoma (lie-poh-mah). A lipoma is a benign (non threatening, non cancerous) fatty deposit that develops inside a thin fibrous capsule...
read moreWhen a nearby toilet is flushed, old plumbing may turn a hot shower cold, quite the shrieking episode. However, beyond mild discomfort, it may not be such a bad thing. These 4 benefits of water therapy explore how you might be able to enhance your health with a simple hydro temperature change. The Oxy-Effect: Feel Good Naturally You may have heard about the controlled pharmaceutical substances called oxycodone and oxycontin. These are potent painkillers with highly addictive properties. However, the body produces its own natural painkiller...
read more