Dark Chocolate May Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Dark chocolate may lower your risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood glucose and bad cholesterol while boosting levels of good cholesterol, a small new study suggests.

Chocolate contains compounds called flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous research has shown a link between flavanol intake and risk for cardiovascular disease.

In this study, San Diego State University researchers assigned 31 people to consume 50 grams per day of either dark chocolate (70 percent cocoa) or white chocolate (0 percent cocoa). Dark chocolate was used because it has higher flavanol levels than milk chocolate.

The participants' blood pressure, forearm skin blood flow, circulating lipid (fat) profiles and blood glucose levels were recorded before and after they consumed the chocolate for 15 days.

The tests revealed that those who ate dark chocolate had lower levels of blood glucose and "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and higher levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than those who ate white chocolate.

The study is scheduled to be presented today at the Experimental Biology 2012 meeting in San Diego. Research presented at meetings should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

Despite these and other findings that dark chocolate may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the researchers said chocolate must be eaten in moderation because of its saturated fat and caloric content.

It's estimated that the typical American consumes more than 10 pounds of chocolate a year.

Source : www.yahoo.com

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4 ways to boost your immune system

Keeping a strong immune system is essential for avoiding common colds during the winter months. Even though the strength of your immune system is partly determined by genetics and childhood exposures, much of it also depends on your nutrition.

Read this article to find out some of the best ways you can keep your immune system strong throughout winter and all year round!

1. Take extra vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, has long been known as a nutrient that is especially helpful for the immune system.

Vitamin C can help stimulate the immune system to fight off foreign cells that invade the body. Additionally, some research has shown that vitamin C supplementation can actually increase the number of antibodies, which play a crucial role in protecting your body from bacteria and viruses.

It is recommended that adult men consume at least 90 mg of vitamin C per day, and adult women should get at least 75 mg per day. Mega doses ranging between 250 mg and 1 gram of vitamin C per day are sometimes used to help decrease the incidence and duration of colds.

Citrus fruits and potatoes are both loaded with vitamin C. Also, many fruit juices contain 100% of your daily vitamin C needs.

2. Get enough zinc

Zinc is a micronutrient that is important for proper functioning of the immune system. Research is mixed on whether or not extra zinc supplementation can decrease your chances of getting sick, but health care professionals do know that without good overall zinc status, your immune system will weaken.

Zinc is found in a variety of foods, so most people do not need to worry about getting enough zinc in their diet. However, if you are a strict vegetarian or vegan, you may need extra zinc supplementation. This is because the zinc that is found in plant foods is often not absorbed properly by humans because there are other molecules in the food that block absorption.

It is recommended that adult males consume 11 mg of zinc per day, and adult females should get 8 mg of zinc per day.

3. Take Echinacea when you feel unwell

Doctors do not recommend long-term use of the herb Echinacea, however numerous research studies have shown that when taken right after the first symptoms of a cold appear, it can be effective in reducing the duration and severity of the cold.

Because it is not a nutrient, there are no guidelines on how much Echinacea to take. So, make sure you find a reputable company and follow their guidelines. Usually, taking 1 or 2 pills per day during the first few days of a cold/sickness is recommended.

4. Eat a well-balanced diet

Besides the specific vitamins, minerals and herbs that have been mentioned, make sure that you are consuming a healthy overall diet. Having a balanced diet that contains all of the nutrients your body needs will help ensure that your body, and immune system, is functioning optimally.

Try to incorporate lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy into your diet. These foods will provide you with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are especially helpful for the immune system.

Remember, when buying any sort of vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements, you must do your research. Since supplements are generally not regulated, you have to make sure that you are buying from a reputable company. Look online for user reviews and other information about the company.

Source : Yahoo.com

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9 ways to lose 20 pounds

Sobar News,- Stay slim does not have to be a very important task. We found 20 easy ways to burn calories that do not require a trip to the fitness training camp.

1. Cut a rug

Invite some friends, turn on some songs, and have a dance party of 37 minutes. You know that you do not forget the Macarena.

2. Apparently, it

Go to the gym with your partner for a good dose of exercise that burns about 100 calories in 30 minutes of weight lifting, then dive under the blankets and other torch 100 with hours of foreplay and sex is strong.

3. Move it

Turning on the layout of your favorite room with 30 minutes rearranging furniture.

4. Press the white of the eye

Take 1 hour and 10 minutes in your favorite bar to play a fun game of darts with friends.

5. Make more of your house

Give your living room with a cold tone. Scrolling on a new coat of paint will burn 204 calories per hour.

6. Scrub-a-dub

A barbecue, but empty in the first place, sweeping the yard, and straightening.

7. Get to market

Buying food for your party (45 minute drive to encourage calorie burning 117), we have in (5 minute walk up the stairs to burn schlepping 43), and continues (40 calories in 14 minutes).

8. Bate about birds

Challenges partygoers in a friendly badminton and burn about 200 calories in 40 minutes.

9. represent

Guests help you to burn more than a barbecue fare when taking them in charades. Readmore...

Lovers of fruits and vegetables that are not immune to being overweight

Lovers of fruits and vegetables that are not immune to being overweight

A European study

revealed that eating lots of fruits and vegetables will not be

enough to prevent excessive weight gain that comes with age,

except in people who had just quit.

The authors found that among 374,000 adults in 10 countries

Europe followed for five years, most fruits and

vegetables consumed are less likely to gain weight after

consider other factors, such as calories consumed and

years.

However, results published in the American Journal of

Clinical Nutrition is not a reason for not eating fruits and

vegetables, which provide the nutrients that protect against disease

chronic conditions such as heart disease and some cancers, to explain

Team Anne-Claire Vergnaud, Imperial College London.

The team analyzed the diets and weight of adults aged 25

and 70. In five years, participants gained weight on

average of 500 grams per year.

In men, excess body weight decreased more fruits and

vegetables consumed. However, that relationship disappeared when considering

other factors, such as calories consumed daily,

sports and education.

In women, the most widely consumed vegetable is

most gained weight within five years.

This, to the author, can be linked with this

participants a diet to lose weight

promote high consumption of vegetables. Many of those who

Special diets suffer from the effects of "yo-yo" in time.

There is one group that high consumption of fruits and vegetables

associated with weight gain is lower: those who quit

smoking during the study. Team's hypothesis is that

healthy eating habits can prevent excess weight gain

which appears on many smokers when they leave the addiction.

If so, the team wrote that "these findings will

important implications for public health because

weight after quitting smoking is a cause of relapse. "

In general, experts recommend eating fruits and

vegetables for health care. DASH diet is recommended for

lowers blood pressure and cholesterol four or five

servings of fruits and vegetables (one serving together with

half cup of cooked vegetables or one medium fruit).

Several studies show that the average U.S. adult

Americans consume only two or three servings a day of fruit and

vegetables combined.

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 14, online

December 2011 Readmore...

Diet, Light Sweet Crude For Christmas

Diet, light sweet crude for Christmas

You can not really say that diet and Christmas go well together. The period before Christmas is always a low blow for our purposes diet. How can you resist the Christmas cake, nougat, Panettone and Pandora, and Christmas lunch are inevitable? The rest will be real cruelty on a diet is too hard or giving up candy at Christmas time ...

That's why we give below a series of tips for preparing Christmas diet but delicious snacks, taking into account not only the palate, but also your weight. Not to mention, then, that even your friends and family will thank you ...

• Do not buy too early Christmas cake and chocolate to remain at home for the holidays ... You may be a constant temptation to give up. Try not to stock up on low-calorie foods such as yogurt, low fat cheese or corn tortillas, which can serve at any occasion with spices, vegetables or crudités with herb sauce. A tasty snack to propose something that is tempting.

• In the long days of Christmas is always a temptation to bite snacks between meals and the other, and end up eating something that is wrong and highly caloric. One solution would be chewing gum that will keep you "busy" until the next meal ...

• Try to cook or buy Christmas cakes are made with phyllo dough, the kind of cake prepared in thin sheets separated. Unlike the common puff pastry, phyllo is no added fat and fewer calories, while retaining a very delicious flavor.

• The apple pie as a Christmas cake is a good idea to bring to the table. It made the cake with jam and apple, and therefore a great alternative to chocolate cake. If you avoid to cover the top of the cake with a layer of pasta, at least you'll save 50 calories and 4 grams of fat.

• Before you buy your favorite Christmas cookie, always check how much fat and calories they contain. You do not have to give up, just buy a smaller portion to restrict calories.

• It is said that Christmas dinner is always high in fat and calories. There are many ideas that can make a delicious meal, such as orange duck, turkey curry, chicken or turkey soup with potatoes and salad. They are very good and delicious calorie savings.

• For simple and low-fat snacks, betting on a sandwich with chicken breast or turkey, use whole wheat bread and cranberry sauce instead of butter. You will save a lot of calories ...

• During the holidays you have decided to give the kitchen to prepare delicious Christmas cakes? Do not be stopped by calories. You can cook desserts with fewer calories, enough to replace ordinary food with their version: cane sugar instead of milk, skim white instead of fruit, vegetables and whole candied cream or syrup instead of normal fat.

• If you have a weakness for salted peanuts or nuts, mix them with raisins to restrict calories. A good alternative is Brazil nuts, in addition to doing good for the body, certainly not simple because they have to eat the shell ... so would reduce the possibility of exaggerating.

• During the festive days it was customary teasing chocolate or other snacks calories. Instead of filling and chocolate nougat bowl, put in their place of dried fruit, no fat or too many calories. A serving of raisins contains 280 calories 100 g Another possibility is the date, which contains only 15 calories each.

• Instead of potato chips, salted nuts or pretzels, breadsticks select, low-calorie snack. Wand has about 20-25 calories, such as a handful of nuts contain little less than 300.

• If the stick does not tickle your taste, try with onions, pickles and olives, which almost no fat. Be sure to keep the olives in water, not oil, so as to keep the fat and calories.

• Choose a Christmas cake carefully. Favorites nougat or chocolate milk (high in fat and calories) dark brown. Or better yet try to candy fruit, candy or fruit jelly. Readmore...

A Diet Before Christmas

A diet before Christmas

Dieting during the Christmas season is not always so simple even though there are many diet ad hoc thinking just to maintain balanced diet and among the thousands of Christmas cookies. For those who can not resist the temptation of delicious Christmas, there is a diet to follow before Christmas, a sort of diet preparation to face the Christmas season without having to eat a piece of guilt Pandoro more.

Diet before Christmas is not a real diet that must be followed to the letter, but only a series of tips to help you stay fit and prepare to celebrate Christmas.

Drink
It is advisable to start the day with a glass of hot water and lemon, which stimulates the digestive system and help the vital functions. Increase lemon juice with a pinch of cinnamon or ginger always give a new flavor and taste.
In any self respecting diet is important to maintain a high level of hydration and therefore it is important to drink plenty, especially water, which you must take at least 1.5 liters a day.

Tease snacks
Snacks are usually one of the most common causes of weight gain. Try not to see any time when you felt like your lure, or at least before Christmas, try to stock up on snacks like fruit diet but delicious, fresh or dried fruit is always good, bread sticks, pickles, olives and onions.

The afternoon snack is also essential for metabolic activity, but be very careful about what you eat and especially how much. I agree that we should not exaggerate with snacks, but snacks are too poor or incorrect may cause you to eat more at dinner. Recent research from the State University of New York asserted that the American people used to do a little snack in the afternoon, dinner, food 87% more.
A snack to be complete should include some protein, which helps to stay full longer. A good choice might be wheat bread sandwich with tuna or two oatcakes.

Meal
When you eat, it is important to consider a number of factors, such as quality of food and cooking them. Our well-being depends in part on a healthy diet, rich in organic foods, seasonal, unprocessed additive, fresh and without. About the additive, in fact, the risk is always high. Several studies have found that in a normal day, we consume more than 180 chemical additives in food and vegetables are washed poorly edited.
If you eat vegetables, cook them a little, steamed, boiled or baked. Favorites, then, for white wheat bread, whole grains, fish, fruit and vegetables.

Fitness
If you want to lose a few pounds before Christmas, you definitely need to do some fitness training. A good tip is to start walking a lot, at least 10,000 steps per day (counted by a pedometer). If you can not find time for fitness only create a few tricks, how to make a few more steps to go to work, you may, for example, get off at metro earlier or later and continue on foot, always use the stairs and never 'lift, walk- street during the lunch break.
Do not miss even Bikram Yoga, a series of 26 hatha yoga positions and breathing exercises performed in a hot room. Bikram Yoga is a series of movements designed to train each body part, enhance detoxification and toning the body.

After only a few weeks when you follow these simple tips, you will surely face the Christmas season with a sweet and greed, with a totally different spirit ... Readmore...

Jogging in The Right Running Shoe - Cushioning and Support

Jogging in the right running shoe - cushioning and support, Adieu!

Running Shoes

Soft cushioned running may be pleasant. Especially, if jogging is operated in the city, where the ground is hard. Meanwhile, after several studies, however, evidence that the soft shoe to the foot, especially the ankle, more likely to impair.

The creation of a soft-cushioned running shoe rested on two assumptions: that shocks incurred while running lead to injuries and that a shoe could prevent this. "The development of shoes with thick soles based on two assumptions for which there was no evidence," Prof. Gert-Peter Brueggemann says of the German Sports University in Cologne.

"Cushioning and support did not work"

Even the attempt to prevent the buckling by increasing the inside of the shoe, have not had a positive effect. "The vulnerability of runners had not changed," says the head of the Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics. This included athletes who regularly more than 30 kilometers run per week. Amazingly, it made no difference in the violation, whether the runners were running on asphalt or soft ground, the biomechanics expert. "Cushioning and support have not worked," reports Prof. Brüggemann.

Freedom for the foot

This was followed by a sobering recollection: "Let but the joints move naturally," as formulated by the sports scientist. That's the philosophy behind the running shoe, which is referred to by experts as the minimum functional shoe or boot. This has less to boot, however, some peculiarities: the running shoe should be soft, but not subdued. Flexibility is the magic word that applies especially to the new sole, which is to be movable in the longitudinal axis so that the natural rotation of the front and back foot is possible. Run is mostly on the Full Foot. The extreme heel run is as passé as the thick sole. The upper of the shoe should be stable, so the foot does not slip off the side. "A general sports shoe usually offers less possibility that the foot can roll well," says Prof. Brüggemann.

Knee too much strain

Last, a U.S. study gave further evidence that the joints in soft running shoes even more heavily loaded than if you would run barefoot. Researchers at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville had examined athletes with shoes and barefoot on a treadmill. An explanation of Sports Medicine is the observation that runners are running in cushioned shoes most intensively on the heel. This makes the knee stronger burden, they say, and it also slows down the pace. For in the case consists of foot to well before the body. Will run through Central and forefoot, the body axis remains straight and the runner takes the quasi-momentum with the next step. This applies primarily for shorter distances. The feet are natural shock absorbers. Intercept is also the step of the leg muscles. If so sore muscles or tendons, helps not necessarily a softer boot, but better training or, in case of overload, take a break. Much attention is the placement of the foot. It is crucial for the prints running style and pace. Strong imprints which should be supported by the hips, pushes the slider virtually to the front. The rear leg is stretched to length. This results in large steps, without that touches the front foot far in front of the torso.

Determined movement of the foot sole

Researchers are studying for quite some time, like a shod foot should roll perfectly. Thus, the hamstrings are too heavily loaded, when it is unrolled with the wrong shoe on the heel. Or ligaments are stressed too strongly, when the foot is not on the outer edge touches, but at each step strongly inward buckling. A certain degree of attenuation is the Achilles tendon at a hard surface only makes sense if it is not too soft and not too high. Otherwise threaten the running to become spongy with negative consequences for the thickest tendon in the body, then into the wobble and thus comes under increasing strain. Also noted sports physician that contract muscles to just catch the vibrations that are caused by too extreme padding only. A work of the muscles so that really uncharacteristically when running is only power and costs.

The condition of the shoe sole will decide whether the foot rolls well and the body weight is moved so easily, or if it presses on the foot and dull these maltreated. Some plastic materials are too hard with time. The flexible shoe on the other hand will allow natural movement. Disorders of the foot, however, should be more balanced with special deposits from the perspective of orthopedists. Readmore...

Vitamin C: RDA Controversial

Vitamin C: RDA controversial

Ascorbic acid

Savoy cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and red and white cabbage are typical autumn and winter vegetables. As a side dish or hearty stews in the winter, they provide also for warmth. They are also the "green stuff" in the most vitamin C lies - about 50-150 milligrams per 100 grams (By comparison, potato 17 mg, 12 mg of apple, Banane12 mg) can be cooked with cabbage, the vitamin C daily requirement of the body supposedly cover. Boiled cabbage contains vitamin C, said even more than in its raw state, now the German Press Agency fruits and vegetables. However, it should not be cooked too long. In this case, the vitamin would be destroyed after all.

Daily requirement of vitamin C remains controversial

Scientists discuss very controversial, however the daily requirement of vitamin C. To date, it could not be agreed. The German Society for Nutrition has been established with their counterpart, Swiss and Austrian companies on a recommendation: 100 milligrams is the RDA for an adult aged 25 to 51 years. Smoking should increase their dose to 150 milligrams, 110 milligrams to about pregnant women.

Opinions diverge on vitamin C

Opinions vary on the amount of revenue, however, go very far apart. Some health experts recommend consuming only a fraction of it, others postulate again several times. There is no doubt that vitamin C makes the good health services. It was discovered because a remedy has been sought from the deficiency disease scurvy, especially once the seized sailors. Remedy could make sauerkraut and citrus fruits. But it took more than a century to Albert von Szent-Györgyi Nagyrápol could isolate the vitamin C in 1927.

Ascorbic acid estimated as a radical scavenger

The substance - also known as ascorbic acid - is used primarily as a "scavenger" estimated. With the complex metabolic processes in the human body caused aggressive intermediates, the "free radicals". You can highly concentrated proteins, cell membranes and genetic material to attack the body and cause harm. Man has developed over so-called antioxidant defenses against it. You can neutralize free radicals. It acts as an important free radical scavenger, vitamin C, which protects us as against serious diseases. The vitamin C is therefore of great importance for an intact immune system.

Important role in coping with stress

It has also taken part in many other processes, for example, to cope with stress. The vitamin C for strong nerves, concentration and influences the formation of collagen and connective tissue. Could be a lingering rumor that vitamin C prevent colds or even sell. This agrees very limited. Linus Pauling, Nobel Prize, had in the 70s called upon to take 1000 milligrams of vitamin C daily to prevent colds. He has since been disproved.

Study refutes protective effect against colds

A study of more than 10 (000 individuals has shown that a daily dose of vitamin C could protect against colds, too, a faster recovery was not at a daily dose of 200 milligrams possible however unearthed the study, a surprising result:.. People with fewer Stress was after regular intake reduce their cold risk something. Australian and Finnish researchers to their studies concluded that the benefits of vitamin C are so small that one on the regular use waive all could. They had found that the cold period at adults compared to the placebo test group of eight, could be reduced in children by 13.6 percent.

Vitamin C helpful in extreme cold

Only human beings - in the opinion of the scientist Robert Douglas and Harri Hemilä - the extreme cold were delivered or are under physical stress, should take vitamin C regularly. Because in marathon runners and skiers a slight preventive effect against colds by vitamin C was detected. Consensus among scientists about the fact that the vitamin C supply in Central Europe is good. A healthy person, the risks such as stress, environmental toxins, nicotine and alcohol, and avoiding a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables nourish need, a lack of vitamin C should not be feared. Readmore...

Repetitive Strain Injury - If Every Click Hurts

Repetitive Strain Injury - If every click hurts

Ergonomics

First there is perhaps a slight pulling or tingling in the fingers, forearm, elbow or wrist if you have worked long on the PC. At some point the pain is one at the first click of the day, and in some cases ultimately hurts even the holding of the toothbrush. Mouse arm is called colloquially the symptoms that plagues many people who spend their time mostly at a computer. Repetitive strain injury syndrome (RSI) is the medical term - complaints that are caused by constant repetitive motion. At the Technical University of Darmstadt, a special therapy program was developed against this pain.

"The human arm is not set to the burden of, for example, six hours a day working with the computer mouse," says Dr. Christoph Eichhorn from the German Orthopaedic Association. "The wrist is bent upward, the fingers remain for hours in an unnatural posture dressed," said the doctor, "come to this, repetitive finger movements."

Always the same overload caused by small movements

At the Technical University of Darmstadt were measured in a study of muscle activity at the computer work. "It has been shown that already has seen a significant muscle tension in the forearm and the fingers when the hand is only on the mouse," says psychologist Kerstin wool. If you do then click small movements, it could cause tiny muscle fiber tears. By the bending of the wrist called the carpal tunnel additionally that, go through the tendons, ligaments and nerves, concentrated, so that the supply of the affected hand. The result: a sensation of numbness and tingling. But not only work with the mouse carries the risk of overuse of muscles and tendons. Even when typing on the keyboard or the touchpad are constantly running over a longer period, the same very small movements.

Often the pain is the mouse arm below the elbow. "The muscles that move the wrist and the finger up at the elbow. The tendon at the junction with bone inflammatory changes, "said orthopedic surgeon Dr. Eichhorn. Ultrasound can detect it in an irritation of the tissue. Sometimes it helps a cortisone injection that is given directly into the affected area. Ultrasound and electrical applications are designed to stimulate the healing of tissue. The doctor also prescribed physical therapy. Another treatment option is the shock wave therapy, says Dr. Eichhorn. If the pain does not improve, he advises, in rare cases to an operation in which the pain-conducting nerve is severed.

Not working does not help against Repetitive Strain Injury

That medical treatments alleviate the symptoms but not the mouse arm can often lies at the pain memory. "The pain occurs not only in the affected joint or finger, but he is learned," says Kerstin wool. "On the movements during typing and clicking is coupled to a certain time, a sensation of pain." This also explains why many have no complaints at all on vacation more, feel, after a short time working at the computer again but pain. The brain remembers, so to speak: these movements is a pain. "It must therefore take place a decoupling of pain and work on the PC," said Kerstin wool. And that could only happen in the workplace, which is the same if the pain has been generalized, so also in everyday life in motion with the other hand occurs. "Do not work does not help," says the psychologist.

Most importantly, we break through the routine. Occupational therapist Alexandra Bauer of Rockenhausen, which also treats many patients with RSI, can be bring photos from the workplace and advise their patients, as this can be ergonomically designed. Crucial is the use of different input devices as an alternative to the mouse, such as a vertical mouse, a touchpad or pen tablet.

15 different input devices to get to know the participants of the courses at the TU Darmstadt. It was important, however, said Kerstin wool that you carefully surrounded and constantly varied. Who, for example, the mouse from right to left, puts, but it works just as before, often has a short-term pain on the other side.

Insert after 20 minutes of computer work a mini-break

"Most of the participants of our courses from seven to nine hours per day on the PC, most people do after a minimum of one and a half hours the first break," says Kerstin wool, "this period is too long, because there is an overuse of muscles, ligaments , tendons and nerves, and it can cause micro injuries. " It recommends every twenty minutes, a short break of two to three minutes in which you stand up from work, moves, makes little exercises. Stretching and strengthening exercises in between also recommend Dr. Eichhorn and occupational therapist to prevent farmers already (see right).

"Breaks observed is difficult for many, but there are tools such as software, which is reminiscent of breaks." Moreover, one should be careful to make the work as varied as possible. Stress management, relaxation techniques and their own pain management are also topics of the courses at the TU Darmstadt. "There is not one remedy that helps," said Kerstin wool, "anyone can pick out from our program, what does it well." As a participant used instead of the electronic planner now again a paper calendar, and wears out and at a lectern, for another the exercises during the breaks are especially important. "We have found that patients who were very severely impaired, and even had a fear of disability, by four or five small changes today can work without pain," says the psychologist. Readmore...

Muscle Cramps - What to Do?

Muscle cramps - what to do?

Leg cramps

When the first twitch occurs, it's usually too late: The muscle cramp occurs. As a rule inexorably linked and pungent with a pain that often subsides after minutes. Especially for athletes and elderly people familiar with the phenomenon, but also pregnant women often suffer from leg cramps. In a spasm of the muscle is stretched, a part of a muscle or a muscle group and inadvertently harden painfully. The calf muscle is affected most often. The possible causes are numerous - and the situations in which the pain is very different. The one falls through the muscle cramp at night in his sleep, he stops in the middle of other Sprint and banished them to the sidelines.

The first measure is: stretch! Here, the affected muscle is stretched until the cramp resolves. This strain has on the receptors in the muscle have a similar effect, such as the well-established remedy for muscle cramps - magnesium. "It's always about the excitability of nerves and thus to reduce the muscle," explains Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Vierling from the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Munich. "Magnesium works out very quickly. It sets down the excitability of cells and prevents the overload of calcium triggers the spasm. "

Muscle spasm by magnesium deficiency

Approximately one in ten is affected by magnesium deficiency, estimates Vierling. The recommended daily dose of 300 milligrams to 400 milligrams for women and men with a normal diet will not often achieved. Although nuts and chocolate fill the magnesium balance, but are not recommended for any diet plan. Also, certain medications, diet or unilateral abuse of alcohol can lead to magnesium deficiency - and to convulsions. Vierling advises the muscle-relaxing minerals in tablet or powder form: "If you are otherwise healthy, try magnesium as a means against cramps! Up to 600 milligrams can increase the daily dose. "

As a rather controversial alternative to magnesium are sometimes recommended quinine. For example, to prevent Chininsulphat nocturnal leg cramps. ". But the possible side effects are nothing compared to the positive effect," "Quinine affects muscle-relaxing," said Professor Dr. Vierling, while is expected for magnesium in high doses as a common side effect of loose stools, the list reads threatening to quinine: Dizziness , nausea, blurred vision and headaches may occur in overdose, but also cardiac arrhythmias and permanent kidney damage.

Accordingly, formulated by the German Society of Neurology (DGN) in its guidelines on "Cramps": "Magnesium is likely to be effective, quinine is effective, it should because of the (rare) serious side effects but are used only in second place." The most important recommendation the DGN are stretching exercises: In acute cases to the cramped muscle is stretched or the antagonist, so the "other muscle", are tense. This is, of course, but only after dangerous causes have been ruled out for the muscle spasms. Because not only carry overload, electrolyte loss, or taking certain medications, the convulsions. Also, thrombosis, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases, but also improper loading of joints, ligaments and muscles can be the reasons.

Baths and gymnastics bow before

There are numerous tips and home remedies to prevent a "normal" spasm: Along the "4 B" - move, bend, edit, roar - are recommended such as baths, massages, leg and foot exercises. Who sleeps on the stomach should be extend the legs over the bed, back sleeper can anstützen the soles of the feet end of the bed or wall. Liniments and ointments containing arnica and rubbing alcohol are recommended. In the end, however, applies to human muscle and, above all, stay relaxed main thing! Readmore...

More Than 4 g Per Day of Acetaminophen Can Cause Death

More than 4 g per day of acetaminophen can cause death

Take some paracetamol tablets in addition to the permitted dose every day for several years, can cause serious damage to health, even death. So says a study by a team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

Excessive intake of tablets and regularly over a long period is not only more difficult to detect but also to treat, as confirmed by The Telegraph:

"People who come to the hospital after having, at one time, a surplus of tablets can often be saved because blood tests can reveal the exact amount of drug in their body, allowing doctors to act quickly to save their liver. "

However, taking staggered and slightly excessive (more than 4 g per day) is difficult to detect:

"The doctors can not detect the problem because the blood tests will not show abnormally high levels of paracetamol."

According to BBC News, Dr Kenneth Simpson and his team studied the medical records of 663 patients suffering from liver damage induced by paracetamol.

The 161 patients who had overdoses installments over a period of 6 years, to relieve chronic pain were more likely to develop liver problems and brain and need respiratory assistance. Also, they are more exposed to death following complications.

According to Professor Roger Knaggs, the message is clear:

"If you take more acetaminophen than the recommended dose [8 500mg tablets], you will not improve pain control, but you will damage your health."

The study also showed that patients taking these tablets above the recommended dose do mainly to relieve back pain, head or teeth. And they Readmore...

Acne Treatment

Acne treatment

Acne should be treated professionally. Acne is a disease and must be medically treated as such. It arises not because someone washes too rarely, but because of hormonal changes during puberty (see Acne Vulgaris). Treatment should begin as early as possible. At best, before they have formed themselves inflammation.

The therapy is a lengthy process. The treatment of acne is a lengthy process. Often, many doctor visits required and the treatment requires patience and perseverance. The options for treating acne are many. They range from simple physical applications to the regulation of strong drugs. Not every treatment works for everyone equally. For this reason, it is necessary to find the appropriate measures in an individual case first.

Remove cornification
Inhibit inflammation
Hormones regulate. The treatment is guided by basic objectives:

* The keratinization in the ducts of the sebaceous glands must be removed.
* Harmful bacteria in the inflamed sores and must be killed on the surface of the skin.
* The hormonal regulation mechanisms must be normalized. Readmore...

The Belly Barometer of Self-esteem?

The belly barometer of self-esteem?

Our stomach is "too big", "too round", "too flabby", "too soft" ... Delete as appropriate: our belly is always "too much". According to the barometer Ipsos / Activia published in March 2011, two French means his stomach as the least favorite part of her body, well ahead of the buttocks (18%), hips (18%), torso and / or breasts (16%) and legs (16%).

The Activia previous study established that only 23% of French people are beautiful and their bellies as 41%, they just do not want to love him. They live as a corporeal entity to retire, disinvest. Or conversely, feel it too intensely, and crystallize in the abdomen all physical defects and the reproaches they address to themselves. Is it wrong that love to hate her belly? No doubt. Do we reject his stomach because it's hard to love yourself? He has that too.
Look at yourself and self-esteem

"There is a complex relationship between the degree of respect that we give and the way we look at ourselves," says Dr. Marie France on Heuzey, a psychiatrist at the Robert Debré Hospital in Paris. "It may be noted that the anorexic teenagers, who have a deep hatred of themselves, look at many belly. They want concave, hollow ... He first they want to erase the whole before disappearing. "

Beyond these girls often obsessed with the perfect bodies of models, we find that trends in the ready-to-wear stress or erase the shoulders are on the buttocks or hips, or discover hidden legs but little value small round bellies. Belts instead emphasize the hips or buttocks of thin, shirts and sweaters Rights hide the "small can" of more coated. In short, the belly of off-the-world has no place in the silhouettes reworked by Readmore...

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treated by Means of The Ears

Seasonal Affective Disorder treated by means of the ears

A new device Finnish, Valkee could help people with seasonal depression, mood changes and even jet lag.

The Valkee illuminates parts of the brain by the ears. It is the size of an iPod but the headphones emit a beam of light optical fiber instead of music.

92% of those who tested 8 to 12 minutes a day showed an improvement of their condition. Its operation relies on the fact that the brain is sensitive to light, such as skin and eyes.

SAD usually begins in the fall, when daylight hours are fewer. There is a decline in self-esteem, anxiety, sadness, and in some cases, more cravings and more hours of sleep.

It is often recommended daily physical activity to overcome this passage depressive or special light therapy lamps that emit artificial light beneficial.

The Valkee could become a less cumbersome. Sold about $ 300, it should appear in the U.S. market soon. Readmore...

Garlic Oil May Help The Heart to Recover from a Heart Attack

Garlic oil may help the heart to recover from a heart attack

An American study announced on November 16 reveals that a component present in garlic oil protect the heart from the consequences of a heart attack or heart surgery.

It has long known the benefits of garlic on cardiovascular health, with a compound called allicin, which reacts with the blood cells and produces hydrogen sulphide which relaxes blood vessels and allows a good blood circulation.

The novelty comes from a very fragrant component present in garlic oil, allyl disulfide, which would help to "liberate protective components of the heart," according to researchers who presented their findings at a conference the American Heart Association in Orlando (Florida).

Scientists have tested a synthetic and highly purified component of this in mice suffering from coronary obstruction, so likely to suffer from heart problems. During the study, researchers at the University of Medicine Emory (Atlanta) studied possible care for heart patients and their findings suggest that treatment with hydrogen sulfide (a highly unstable gas) could be replaced by injections of allyl disulfide, which has reduced by 61% of the damaged heart tissue in this study.

"The interruption of the flow of oxygen and blood flow damages the mitochondria [part of the cell], and loss of mitochondrial integrity can lead to cell death," said researcher David Lefer. "We see that the allyl disulfide may temporarily reduce the function of mitochondria, maintain and lower the production of reactive oxygen."

The study provides no evidence that eating garlic protect our health, but Lefer said in an interview with ABC News that consumed fresh garlic provided "a good dose of allyl disulfide," that would prevent the formation of cancerous tumors in rodents. Readmore...

Discovery Could Improve The Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Discovery could improve the treatment of ovarian cancer

Researchers have found in ovarian cancer two genetic characteristics that distinguish aggressive tumors and their response to treatment, according to studies published Sunday in Nature Medicine.

This discovery should lead to a test to tailor treatment to the nature of the tumor of each patient.

The team of Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou (INSERM-Institut Curie, Paris) has discovered two "molecular signatures" that can make a prognosis on the evolution of the disease.

The first signature, known as "oxidative stress" is used to identify tumors, albeit aggressive, but more sensitive to treatment and therefore better prognosis.

The second, known as type "fibrosis", corresponds to tumors at high risk of tumor dissemination.

Respiration results in the production of oxygen-derived cell that can attack: the oxidative stress. In most cases, the master cells that stress. But when they are overwhelmed or do not have enough antioxidants, the phenomenon of stress causes damage, promoting the development of cancers.

In animal models studied, the existence of the signature "oxidative stress" in tumor growth accelerates. Oxidative stress is therefore an accelerator of the development of ovarian cancer, the researchers noted.

However, it also improves the response to treatment. Indeed, tumor cells with this stress can multiply very quickly, but they also die more easily as a result of treatment.

Instead, the signature "fibrosis", promotes migration of tumor cells and thus metastasis.

"Although highly proliferative tumors with signature + + oxidative stress are more susceptible to certain chemotherapies including paclitaxel (brand name: Taxol) and its derivatives," said Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou.

At the Institut Curie, doctors working on a test project designed to easily identify what type of tumor, each new patient has to be able to adapt their treatment.

The ovarian cancer, often diagnosed at an advanced stage because of its anatomical location within the body, affects 4600 women each year in France. Readmore...

The Approach May Predict Longevity

The approach may predict longevity

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study saying that the U.S. approach can predict the longevity of a person.

According to researchers, a person walking faster live longer.

After reviewing 35 000 people over 75 years, we note that 87% of men who walked more quickly lived ten years longer than their slower counterparts, while the rates were 91% for women.

Walking is one of the best physical activities for older people, especially because it promotes better brain health.

However, according to researcher Stephanie Studenski, it's not just walking quickly because our body itself selects the walking speed that is best for our overall health.

That is why, a simple walk test allows a quick diagnosis of the overall health of a patient. Readmore...

Bars Smile: Attention Danger?

It is now possible between two appointments to be whiten teeth at a cost much lower than the dentist: Welcome to the bars to smile! These institutions are multiplying before our eyes, are they really safe? They comply with European standards in terms of health and why dentists they rebelled against it? Investigation.

Thanks to Roland's Herron, dentist and president of the Confederation of Trade Unions and Isabelle Zabiego dental, dentist.

I tried to smile a bar (or almost ...)

Defying the warning hammered by the National Association of dentists, and finally listening to my courage (well above my head which threatened to fire me if I was testing it! Besides, why she did not test it ?! Are there risks?), I pushed the door of a bar in Paris smile. No white wall or smell bleach on the horizon, the atmosphere so sterile hospital is not the taste of home. Medical codes are erased, and the message is clear: here is rather "welcome to my hairdresser Marco trendy", that "strong casters and Mr. fillings dentist." The aesthetic bonus!

No rock star, yet the bar smiling full house. It waits his turn without making waves, with or without appointment, to afford a smile whiter than white. Well, it's mine. Come on, do not slam the teeth, the little girl who t'apostrophe not going to eat you! "You want the information?". No time to dwell on my fears, she unpacks her speech. White teeth, shiny glaze, and without it costing you an arm ... I adhere to his promise illico. The bars would then smile as well as my dentist, unless I break my ELP?!

Fully packed, I promise not to insult my boss asked me what trap they sent me. Damn, I do not have my medical certificate in good standing to show their credentials. How do I prove that I have healthy teeth and gums? Trivia. The young woman is confined to simple questions: caries? A tendency to have gum disease? Not even a questionnaire or to sign a release. I wonder if eventually there would be no trap!

I'll be able to win two shades in 20 minutes

She hands me a display line on which are all fake baby teeth whiter with each other and declare that I am "N32". It is serious that? "No, you're like the vast majority of customers," she replies. Here I am reassured. She says that I can win at least two shades in 20 minutes for only € 79. I really want to get caught up in the game What's the protocol?

With a small "rag" moistened cleaning products tied to the tip of the index, it tells me how to clean my teeth. And the swab there is to do what? "The gums, madam, your gums!" I fall from the sky: no thorough brushing, no scaling. This is the bare minimum. I ask to see more before you leap. She shows the alignment of high-design seating egg, in which clients, mouth obstructed by a gutter, patiently waiting for a pair of glasses on his nose. Why the outfit? "To protect the lamp emitting LED that will be placed in front of the teeth to activate the properties of the gel WHG1". Oh, it's dangerous? Is there anything in this gel? She unpacks the scientific jargon and insists that everything is low-dose, and my baby teeth do not fear anything!

The young woman hands me a gutter filled with the famous standard size freezing. She explains that it will be up to me as a great place. And it does not help me. In fact, she has no right to have any contact with the mouth of the customer. Really? And if the gutter inadvertently falls to the ground what do I do? I replace? She tells me she will be there if needed.

I informed him that I got information and the taste of the gel is far from pleasant as the cold sensation that spreads in the mouth. She did not contradict. Must we really suffer to be beautiful ... the mouth? The collective enthusiasm of customers in the ultra bright smiles, finally convinced me.

Come on, I took the leap next week? In making appointments, the young woman warns me: "After six months, your teeth will not be so white.'ll Have to return at least twice a year for optimum results." I am annoyed by my calculation to keep the killer smile: € 79 x 2 = € 158 passages. Hey, will have to p'être I think asking for a raise to my boss .... After all, that's the case! Readmore...

Lose Fat Easily

Almost everyone knows the story: you can go some time, can the cake does not stand up and also the fast-food restaurant was the last time visited more frequently than usual already no longer fits and otherwise, everything feels slightly the favorite Klamotte round to.

Who is aware that it's the diet that he has too much weight on it, which brings the best conditions for losing weight. Because many people with weight problems can not simply accept it and wish that it is just you alone in that they are too fat. In a few exceptions, it is genetic, that it is thick.

So what can you do to effectively lose weight? Radical methods such as beauty operations in which fat deposits are removed professionally, and should not have to first stand up for debate. There are a lot cheaper and less risky methods that can help you lose weight.

Especially important is a good diet. What do you have to in order to nourish healthy, is officially known. Look at the so-called diet pyramid and align yourself with your daily meals as specified. There will be a help, to nourish themselves healthier.

Per day you should drink at least 1.5 liters of water and avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks. Of the basic foods like bread, rice and pasta, the long-chain carbohydrates (starches) contained, it is recommended several times daily to take some portions. Vegetables and fruit belong to two to three times the daily diet. Proteins and protein-containing foods such as poultry, fish and nuts are to be the main sources of protein, while other meat such as beef or pork, however, rarely moeglicht should be on the menu. When meat is differentiated between red meat and poultry, where poultry is considered to be healthier and should be eaten more frequently.

Too many eggs are not healthy. Limit this to two to three eggs a week. At the top of the pyramid, sugar and animal fats are found, of which only a few should be consumed.

Who are these guidelines intended to, which will definitely have success with weight loss. Readmore...

Sleeping Well Helps to Remember The Next Day's Obligations

Every day we make plans for today and tomorrow, fulfilling certain tasks at a time and leaving others for the next day. Apparently, to achieve better efficiency in tomorrow's activities should be thinking about them and then go straight to sleep, new research found.

The authors of the University of Washington (USA) argue that people who sleep after processing and storing a memory best achieve their goals than those who want to execute your plan before a good rest. The study results were published in the journal Psychological Science.

Michael Scullin, senior author studies the prospective memory. In contrast to retrospective memory, which is to remember what happened, prospective memory is used to account for future projects, ie activities that a person wants to do later. These tasks range from making a choice to buy a gift or go to the grocery store before going home.

Scullin said that much research about retrospective memory, prospective memory but has a lower level of analysis, although people use it daily.

REST AND REMEMBRANCE

In their study, the researchers found that sleep facilitates the execution of the tasks ahead. They explained that the ability to fulfill an intention seems not to depend on the strength of the intention but the trigger that recalls the work must be met. This trigger can be a situation, place or circumstance that brings to mind the plan to perform.

For example, if a man should say something to a colleague the next day at work will see the main trigger to remember what you have to comment. But there are also triggers weaker. In this case, go through the conference room where the two met at another time could also bring the memory of the message being transmitted.

Scullin said that sleep acts on these triggers weak, strengthening partnership and thus facilitating compliance with the intent. On the contrary, sleep is not strengthened the relationship between activity and trigger more explicit. "We found that sleep benefits prospective memory by strengthening the weak associations in the brain, a fact that had not been tested before," he said Scullin. Readmore...