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Studie: Ärzte können der Gesundheit schaden

Studie: Ärzte können der Gesundheit schaden zentrum-der-gesundheit.de Pharmaindustrie kümmert sich um Medizinstudenten Die grossen Pharmaunternehmen beeinflussen die Studienpläne der künftigen Mediziner so stark und gleichzeitig so unauffällig, dass man bereits von sog. "heimlichen Lehrplänen" spricht. Dadurch soll mit den entsprechenden Pharma-Marketing-Massnahmen schon während des Medizinstudiums eine möglichst enge Beziehung zwischen Student und Pharmaindustrie aufgebaut werden, die später dazu führen wird, dass der Arzt hochmotiviert die Medikamente der betreffenden Firmen verschreibt. Es besteht also der berechtigte Verdacht, dass Medikamente oft nicht aus Notwendigkeit oder aus Mangel an Alternativen verordnet werden, sondern weil der Arzt möglichst viele Medikamente seines "befreundeten" Pharmaunternehmens an den Mann bzw. Patienten bringen möchte. Folglich könnte es durchaus sein, dass Ärzte zu jenem Personenkreis gehören, denen man besser nicht allzu viel Vertrauen entgegen bringt. Chirurgen operieren unausgeschlafen und erschöpft Eine weitere fast noch schlimmere Gefahr, die von Ärzten ausgeht, ist jene, der man ausgesetzt ist, wenn man im Tiefschlaf der Narkose liegt und kein bisschen mehr davon mitbekommt, was einem widerfährt. Ob der Chirurg ausgeschlafen ist, ob er gerade von seiner Frau verlassen wurde und deshalb keinen klaren Gedanken fassen kann, ob er selbst oder eines seiner engsten Familienmitglieder mit gesundheitlichen Problemen zu kämpfen hat, ob er möglicherweise unter dem Einfluss von Drogen steht, davon erfährt der Patient nichts. Und so operieren zahllose Chirurgen munter drauf los, und zwar auch dann - so fand eine Studie heraus - wenn sie unausgeschlafen und sich in völlig ermattetem Zustand befinden. Dass sich in diesem Falle die Patienten kaum in sicheren Händen, sondern in ernsthafter Gefahr befinden dürften, versteht sich von selbst. Dies könnte Sie interessieren: Enge Freunde: Pharmaindustrie und Mediziner Die erwähnte Studie wurde von Kirsten Austad und Aaron S. Kesselheim von der medizinischen Fakultät der Universität Harvard durchgeführt und kürzlich im Fachmagazin PLoS Medicine veröffentlicht. Austad und Kesselheim wiesen nach, dass die Pharmagiganten einen "heimlichen Studienplan" aufgestellt hätten, der künftige Ärzte ganz im Sinne der Pharmaindustrie beeinflusse. Dies geschehe durch intensive und pausenlose Kontakte zwischen Studenten und pharmazeutischen Unternehmen, so dass die Mediziner automatisch eine positive Einstellung zu den Marketingmassnahmen für verschreibungspflichtige Medikamente entwickelten. Jegliches Misstrauen in Bezug auf mögliche Nebenwirkungen wird im Keime erstickt. Medizinstudenten gesponsert von der Pharmaindustrie Das Forscherteam aus Harvard untersuchte alle veröffentlichten Studien, die sich mit diesem Thema beschäftigten und analysierte die Daten von insgesamt 9.850 Medizinstudenten aus 76 verschiedenen Universitäten. Die Resultate ergaben, dass die meisten Medizinstudenten eng mit der Pharmaindustrie verbandelt waren und sich dieser Kontakt in deren späteren Praxisjahren noch intensivierte. Geschenke und kostenlose Seminare für Medizinstudenten Bis zu 90 Prozent aller Studenten, die in Kliniken direkt mit Patienten arbeiteten, erhielten von Pharmaunternehmen Ausbildungsmaterialien zur Verfügung gestellt, kostenlose Seminare oder auch Geschenke in Form von z. B. Büchern, DVDs oder Aktivwochenenden. Die meisten Medizinstudenten waren dazu noch der Meinung, dass es absolut in Ordnung sei, Geschenke von Medikamentenherstellern zu erhalten und diese auch anzunehmen. Sie rechtfertigten sich damit, dass sie als Studenten schliesslich meist in mehr oder weniger grosser finanzieller Not lebten und folglich auf die Zuwendungen der Pharmaindustrie fast schon angewiesen seien. Einige Medizinstudenten erklärten, es müsse zwangsläufig deshalb ethisch einwandfrei sein, die von den Pharmaunternehmen gesponserten Geschenke anzunehmen, da die meisten anderen Studenten diese ja auch annehmen würden. Mehrheit der Medizinstudenten ist sich des Pharma-Einflusses nicht bewusst Fast zwei Drittel der Studenten war der Meinung, dass sie trotz der Tatsache, dass sie sich regelmässig von den Lobbyisten der Pharmaunternehmen beschenken liessen, immun gegen Vorurteile und Voreingenommenheit seien. Die Meinung der Studenten darüber, ob die Interaktion von Ärzten und der Industrie gesetzlich oder von den Fakultäten geregelt werden sollte, war hingegen gespalten. Einfluss der Pharmaindustrie muss reduziert werden Kein bisschen gespalten waren diesbezüglich hingegen die Wissenschaftler und empfahlen, dass es zumindest auf Ebene der Fakultäten zu einschneidenden Änderungen kommen sollte, um die enge "Beziehung" zwischen Ärzten und den Pharmavertretern ein wenig zu lockern, wenn nicht gar zu lösen. So sollten die Universitäten die fast schon permanente Berieselung der Studenten mit Pharmawerbung unterbinden. Lehrärzte sollten sich ihrer Vorbildfunktion für die Studenten bewusst sein und die Zuwendungen der Pharmaindustrie ablehnen. Mehr Berufsethik erwünscht Ein geringerer Einfluss der Industrie auf die medizinische Ausbildung hätte mindestens zwei wichtige Konsequenzen: Erstens würde die Berufsethik der Mediziner wieder deutlich an Qualität, Glaubwürdigkeit und Integrität gewinnen. Zweitens würden sich die Mediziner bei der Wahl der passenden Therapie und der Verordnung von Medikamenten weniger an den Empfehlungen der Pharmaindustrie als vielmehr an den Ergebnissen klinischer Studien oder anderweitigen wissenschaftlichen Bewertungen orientieren - wobei natürlich auch viele Studien und wissenschaftliche Arbeiten nicht selten unter dem regulierenden Einfluss der Pharmaunternehmen entstehen . Pharmaindustrie lässt nicht locker Allerdings befürchteten die Harvard-Wissenschaftler, dass es ziemlich schwierig werden könnte, den Einfluss der Pharmariesen in der genannten Weise einzuschränken, da deren Position an den medizinischen Fakultäten unvorstellbar gefestigt sei und deren Sponsoring die Universitäten und Kliniken wie eine Krake mit ihren Fangarmen unerbittlich im Griff habe, so dass es für die betreffenden Studenten und Ärzte - selbst wenn sie wollten, was jedoch, wie oben erwähnt, eher selten der Fall ist - kaum ein Entkommen gäbe. Für Patienten bedeutet das, dass die ihnen verordnete Therapie oft nur deshalb verordnet wird, weil die entsprechenden Medikamente gerade vom Hersteller bevorzugt beworben werden, aber nicht unbedingt daher, weil sie sich in klinischen Studien als besonders viel versprechend oder nebenwirkungsarm gezeigt haben - wie man sich das als Patient vielleicht wünschen würde. Doch das ist nicht der einzige Wunsch, dessen Erfüllung den Patienten verwehrt wird. Wer sich operieren lassen muss, hofft inständig auf einen kompetenten, verantwortungsbewussten und folglich auch ausgeruhten Chirurgen. Leider scheint die Trefferquote, einen solchen zu erwischen, immer weiter zu sinken. Ärzte leiden unter Schlafmangel So wies ein Artikel, der kürzlich in der kanadischen Mediziner-Fachzeitschrift CMAJ ( Canadian Medical Association Journal ) veröffentlicht wurde, darauf hin, dass Ärzte ihre Patienten oft einem grossen Risiko aussetzen, da sie an akutem Schlafmangel leiden. Die Wissenschaftler machten auf eine Studie aufmerksam, die sich des Themas "Schlafmangel bei Ärzten" annahm und feststellte, dass Unausgeruhtsein des Arztes zunehmend der Grund für Komplikationen bei Operationen sei - und zwar vor allem dann, wenn der betreffende Chirurg in der vorangegangenen Nacht weniger als sechs Stunden Schlaf bekommen hat. Die 10jährige Studie führte bereits zu streng limitierten Arbeitszeiten bei Medizinstudenten, ausgebildete Ärzte jedoch betrifft das Arbeitszeitlimit nicht. Während ausserdem Ärzte im Praktikum meist während Operationen streng beaufsichtigt werden, geschieht das bei erfahrenen Ärzten kaum noch, so dass deren Fehler so gut wie nie ans Tageslicht gelangen. Schlafmangel entspricht 0,5 Promille Das Problem der überlasteten und daher unausgeruhten Ärzte könnte sich in Zukunft aufgrund der Personaleinsparungen noch verschärfen, schreiben die Redakteure des CMAJ, die Ärzte Noni MacDonald, Paul Hébert, Ken Flegel und Matthew Stanbrook, in einem Editorial. Schlafmangel aufgrund von Nachtdiensten führt in etwa zur selben Beeinträchtigung der Urteilsfähigkeit und der motorischen Fähigkeiten wie ein Blutalkoholgehalt von über 0,5 Promille. Wird man mit einem solchen Blutalkoholgehalt am Steuer erwischt - was je nach Konstitution bereits mit einem halben Liter Bier der Fall sein kann - dann ist man um 500 Euro ärmer, um 4 Punkte reicher und darf sich ausserdem für einen Monat von seinem Führerschein verabschieden. Der Grund ist einfach: Mit 0,5 Promille steigt das Unfallrisiko auf das doppelte - und das ist nicht nur im Strassenverkehr so, sondern auch im OP. Ihre Ausbildung zum ganzheitlichen Ernährungsberater Ihnen gefällt das Ernährungskonzept des Zentrums der Gesundheit? Sie möchten gerne detailliert wissen, wie Sie für sich und Ihre Familie eine rundum gesunde Ernährung gestalten können? Oder möchten Sie vielleicht Ihrem Berufsleben eine neue Perspektive geben und auch andere Menschen zu Themen rund um eine ganzheitliche Gesundheit beraten können? Dann empfehlen wir Ihnen die Akademie der Naturheilkunde. Die Akademie der Naturheilkunde bildet Menschen wie Sie – die gesunde Ernährung und ein gesundes Leben lieben – in 12 bis 18 Monaten zum Fachberater für holistische Gesundheit aus. Wenn Sie mehr über das Fernstudium an der Akademie der Naturheilkunde wissen möchten, dann erfahren Sie auf der Webseite der Akademie alle Details sowie Feedbacks von aktuellen und ehemaligen TeilnehmerInnen. Original Page: https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/aerzte-gesundheit-schaden-ia.html Shared from Pocket

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Fernsehen - das Kontrollmedium

Fernsehen - das Kontrollmedium zentrum-der-gesundheit.de Unkritische Informationsübernahme Einige Menschen werden überrascht sein wenn sie erfahren, dass es sich beim Medium Fernsehen um ein Kontrollmedium handelt. Es ist in der Lage, uns derart zu entspannen, dass unsere linke, analytische Gehirnhälfte beim längeren fernsehen abgeschaltet wird. Das hat zur Folge, dass wir die ganzen Informationen, die uns das Fernsehen präsentiert, völlig unkritisch übernehmen, so dass es uns letztendlich immer schwerer fällt, die aufnenommenen Informationen neutral zu beurteilen. Fernsehen wirkt hypnotisierend Unter Hypnose ist unser Gehirn einem ganz ähnlichen Prozess ausgesetzt. Unter Hypnose werden wir offen für die Suggestionen des Therapeuten, da wir uns in einem vollkommen entspannten Zustand befinden. In diesem Zustand verändert sich der Frontallappen im Gehirn. Das hat zur Folge, dass wir nur noch unsere rechte Gehirnhälfte benutzen. Die linke Hälfte, unser kritisches Denken also, wird abgeschaltet. Dies könnte Sie interessieren: Fernsehen - eine Form von Gehirnwäsche Wenn wir Fernsehen, dauert es nur etwa 30 Sekunden, und wir befinden uns in einem ähnlich hypnotischen Stadium. Das hat jedenfalls Professor Herbert Krugmann in einer Studie herausgefunden, die bereits 1971 durchgeführt wurde. Das Ergebnis seiner Studie war, dass wir über die Informationen, die uns das Fernsehen übermittelt, nicht nachdenken. Anders ausgedrückt heißt das, das Fernsehen fungiert als eine Art Gehirnwäsche. Verbleiben wir für eine längere Zeit in diesem Stadium - und es gibt tatsächlich eine Menge Menschen, die mehr oder weniger den ganzen Tag über fernsehen - so fällt es uns immer schwerer, uns zu konzentrieren oder alltägliche Probleme zu lösen. Dieser desaströse Zustand wird von einigen Institutionen bewusst herbeigeführt und entstprechend ausgenutzt. In Großbritannien z.B. wird das Fernsehen als wirksames und preiswertes Mittel eingesetzt, um die Gefangenen ruhig zu halten. Fernsehen schädigt Teile des Hirns Beim Fernsehen verändert sich der Frontallappen im Gehirn. Der Frontallappen sorgt u.a. dafür, dass situationsgerechte Handlungen ausgeführt werden können. Nun gibt es berechtigten Anlass zur Besorgnis, dass durch das Fernsehen möglicherweise eine dauerhafte Schädigung des Frontallappens eintritt, die bereits im Kindesalter beginnen kann, da der Frontallappen sich zu dieser Zeit entwickelt und bis zum 20. Lebensjahr normalerweise kontinuierlich wächst. Kinder verlieren ihr soziales Kontrollverhalten Für die Entwicklung der Nervenfasern im Frontallappen ist es wichtig, dass Kinder ihrem Alter entsprechend gefördert werden, miteinander spielen und sich untereinander austauschen können. Nur so könenn sich stabile Verbindungen zu den Neuronen bilden. Wenn Kinder nun fernsehen, hat das zur Folge, dass die Entwicklung des Frontallappens stagniert. Gleichzeitig stoppt die Entwicklung der rechten Gehirnhälfte. Diese gehemmte Entwicklung des Frontallappens bei Kindern kann ihre Fähigkeit zur Kontrolle von unsozialem Verhalten beeinflussen. Fernsehen drängt uns in die Passivität Das Medium Fernsehen sorgt für eine passive Art der Kommunikation. Wir nehmen unbewusst jede Art von Information auf, ohne zu wissen, wie diese Informationen unsere Art zu denken und zu handeln beeinflusst. Bilden wir uns noch eine eigene Meinung? Die Frage ist, inwieweit wir durch die Meinung anderer, die uns über das Medium Fernsehen präsentiert wird, beeinflusst werden. Wir sollten uns fragen, ob die Meinung, die wir vertreten, tatsächlich unsere eigene ist, oder ob wir die Meinung anderer bereits unbewusst übernommen haben. Insbesondere dann, wenn wir einen Standpunkt vehement vertreten, sollten wir uns fragen, wie wir zu dieser Meinung gekommen sind. Negative Informationen behindern Meinungsbildung Ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt ist die Flut an negativ-Informationen, die uns über das Fernsehen in Form von Nachrichten übermittelt wird. Die Nachrichten werden ständig wiederholt und auf allen Sendern übertragen. Das hat zweifelsfrei negative Auswirkungen auf unsere psychische Stabilität und wirkt sich somit gravierend auf unser Leben aus. Machen Sie den Test! Versuchen Sie, für einige Tage oder Wochen konsequent auf das Fernsehen zu verzichten und beurteilen Sie die Auswirkungen, die dieser Verzicht auf ihr Leben hat. Wenn Sie danach wieder fernsehen wollen, beurteilen Sie objektiv, in wie weit Sie sich tatsächlich vom Medium Fersehen beeinflussen lassen und welche negativen Auswirkungen es auf Ihr Sozialverhalten hat. Stimulieren Sie Ihren Geist Es ist nicht nur wichtig, dass wir unseren Körper durch gesunde Ernährung und ausreichende Bewegung bei guter Gesundheit erhalten. Genauso wichtig ist es, dass wir unseren Geist pflegen und positiv stimulieren. Denn nur, wenn es uns physisch und psychisch gut geht, sind wir wirklich gesund und können unser Leben genießen. Original Page: https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/fernsehen-ia.html Shared from Pocket

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Boil Your Unpeeled Carrots for Maximum Nutrition

Boil Your Unpeeled Carrots for Maximum Nutrition by Dr. Mercola , articles.mercola.com June 19, 2017 There are astonishing arrays of vegetables in the world of every shape and color, each representing an amazing commodity. It's incredible that you can put seeds in the ground, give them adequate sunlight and water, and in a matter of weeks or a few months, you have instant food, which your body needs to thrive. Vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, nutrients and phytonutrients, such as antioxidants, sulforaphane, isothiocyanates, anthocyanins, carotenoids and a host of other beneficial compounds to provide energy, help your body fight disease, increase your immune function and perform a myriad of other tasks. Carrots, one of the sweetest vegetables, are also one of the most popular plant-based foods. They're unique for several reasons, but perhaps one of their most important calling cards is beta-carotene, which can't be manufactured in your body, so it needs to come from your diet. In the days of the Romans and Greeks, carrots were believed to be an aphrodisiac, which may be why they purportedly were used more as a "medicine" than a food. Here's another interesting factoid: Daily Mail reports that the first carrots weren't the orange we're used to seeing today, but were developed to have an orange color as a political tribute to the Dutch House of Orange. Many of the earliest Dutch citizens were involved in agriculture, and many were known to grow carrots, Tested.com 1 reveals, but up to the late 1500s carrots were usually purple, green, white and even black. In the 17th century, when the Dutch republic was formed, carrots with high amounts of orange-hued beta-carotene were cultivated, and they caught on. Nutrients in Carrots If you've noticed that "carotene" sounds like "carrot," there's a reason. The word came from Nobel prize-winning scientist German scientist Richard Kuhn, 2 who crystallized the carotene compound from carrot roots. Beta-carotene is just one of more than 600 carotenoids, responsible for the pigment in colorful foods like dark leafy greens , tomatoes , egg yolks, fruits and salmon (the most healthy option being wild-caught Alaskan salmon ). Carrots contain higher levels of beta-carotene than any other vegetable or fruit. The reason that's significant is because beta-carotene gives (some) carrots their distinctive orange color, but also converts in your body to vitamin A, which is very good for your vision. You may have heard your mother say eating your carrots would be good for your eyesight, and it happens to be true. Numerous minerals "up" the health aspects of carrots, such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, to help build strong bones and a healthy nervous system. Calcium is essential for healthy heart muscles; phosphorus is helpful for softening skin and strengthening teeth, hair and bones, while magnesium plays a role in absorbing nutrients, mental development and fat digestion. Carrot consumption is also good for body-beneficial potassium, vitamins C and B6, copper, thiamine and folic acid. Fiber is another benefit, which helps move food through your system for easier elimination and better health overall. How to Extract the Most Nutrition From Your Carrots Most people assume eating carrots raw is the way to get the most nutrition, 3 but science reveals that's not always the case. It turns out that cooking carrots whole, skin intact, without chopping, slicing, grating, shredding or peeling them, is the best way to obtain the most nutrients when they're eaten (although you should scrub them first to remove surface dirt). Once they're cooked, they can be chopped in the manner you desire. Just before serving, add a little olive or coconut oil and butter for the highest nutrition, experts say. Researchers also maintain that boiling carrots in their unchopped state makes them taste better. Nearly 100 volunteers took the taste test, and 80 percent of them came to that conclusion. Independent nutritionist Carrie Ruxton wondered if the same benefits might come from vegetables belonging to the carrot family with a similar size and texture, such as parsnips. In 2013, Dr. Kirsten Brandt found in an animal study that when rats were fed carrots or isolated falcarinol, they were a third less likely to develop full-scale tumors than the others. More recently, Brandt and colleague Ahlam Rashed, from Newcastle University's School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, concluded from another study 4 that carrots boiled before being cut contained 25 percent more falcarinol, and as a result, 25 percent more cancer-fighting capabilities, than those chopped beforehand. Daily Mail reported: "Cut carrots have a higher surface area in contact with the water, resulting in greater loss of nutrients compared with boiling them whole. The heat softens the cell walls in the vegetable, allowing vitamins and falcarinol to leach out. Dr. Brandt said: 'The great thing about this is it's a simple way for people to increase their uptake of a compound we know is good for you. All you need is a bigger saucepan.'" 5 Different Veggies Require Different Preparation Methods Different preparation methods are used on different veggies to get the most nutrition. Rodale's Organic Life asserts: "Cooking vegetables helps to soften their tough fibrous exteriors and loosen up all the nutritional good stuff that lies inside. In fact, some vegetables, such as tomatoes, are actually more healthful if you eat them cooked, because the process of cooking them boosts their level of the potent antioxidant lycopene. The only problem is, not all cooking methods are the same. Some boost nutrient content; some take it away. Some add unwanted fat, while others add the crucial amount for your body to absorb all the nutrients in vegetables." 6 Broccoli is best steamed for three or four minutes to release the maximum amount of its most beneficial nutrient — sulforaphane — in a process that eliminates epithiospecifier protein, which is heat sensitive and destroys the sulfur. Steaming it briefly also retains the enzyme myrosinase, the agent that converts glucoraphanin to sulforaphane. Further, boiling your broccoli (or microwaving it) eliminates the desirable myrosinase. Safe Cooking Options to Retain Nutrients What are some other healthy ways to cook veggies? Griddles or frying pans are one way — if it's stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, glass or enamel. When you use nontoxic pots and pans, most vegetables not only retain the valuable, good-for-you compounds but also make it easy to observe in the process. Rodale's Organic Life 7 lists several common methods of preparing veggies, starting with baking: "Baking, or roasting, is hit or miss. Based on the study results, bake your artichokes, asparagus, broccoli and peppers, all of which retained their antioxidant values, but not your carrots, Brussels sprouts, leeks, cauliflower, peas, zucchini, onions, beans, celery, beets and garlic, which all saw decreases in nutrient levels. Where baking really shines is with green beans, eggplant, corn, Swiss chard and spinach, all of which saw their antioxidant levels increase after baking. Toss a handful of those veggies into your next casserole." 8 Steaming — Some scientists say tossing veggies with a little oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, used after the heating is finished, helps boost nutrient absorption. Sautéing — For some reason, studies don't seem to recommend sautéing, but it's interesting to note that this is the preferred method used by The George Mateljan Foundation, a not-for-profit dedicated to helping people cook and eat for optimal health. In fact, the site notes that it "produces a much richer flavor." 9 Boiling — It only makes sense that if you cover your veggies with water and boil them, many if not most of the nutrition will dissipate. Peas, cauliflower and zucchini, in particular, lose much of what they offer. If you must boil your vegetables, save the nutrient-rich water to use for soup or sauce. Carrots, as previously mentioned, are an exception to this rule. Frying — This cooking method is, not surprisingly, the one that fails the test in terms of retaining antioxidants and other nutritive advantages in cooked food. Frying is said to be responsible for food losing between 5 percent and 50 percent of each vegetable's nutrients. Caveats (Like Carcinogens) to Circumvent When Cooking Another important caveat: When you want to eat something healthy on one hand and nontoxic on the other, make sure your griddle, skillet, roaster, saucepan or any other tool you use for heating does not have a nonstick chemical coating . It's a toxin looking for a place to happen. These nonstick options, used since the 1940s, may make cooking convenient, but the bits that peel off over time eventually get into your food and into your system, as well as release toxic fumes when heated to high temperatures. The American Cancer Society notes: "Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as C8, is another man-made chemical (known as fluorotelomers) … (with) the potential to be a health concern because it can stay in the environment and in the human body for long periods of time. Studies have found that it is present worldwide at very low levels in just about everyone's blood." 10 Additionally, many food manufacturers recommend microwaving for convenience, even packaging foods in plastic bags or containers that can be popped into the microwave for "no muss and no fuss." But there are many problems and potential problems with microwave use: Vital nutrients might be lost, antibodies degraded, protein chemistry altered and white blood cells impaired due to thermic effects. Microwaving may also have detrimental effects on your heart . The second problem is that many people use plastic in microwaves , which may cause chemicals they contain to leach into your food. That's not all: There are two other things to pay attention to regarding the oils you use for cooking, as some have much higher smoke points than others. While olive oil is a great oil to use in salads and other foods, for instance, it's not good for cooking. Coconut oil and butter are much safer fats to use that are also very healthy for you. The second thing to watch is the temperatures you use when you cook. Be aware that when the heat is too high, it can destroy nutrients and even create the formation of harmful (aka carcinogenic) substances. As in everything else, especially nowadays, it seems, when it comes to the foods you eat, researching as much as possible is only prudent. Carrot Color Makes a Difference As mentioned earlier, carrots once came in a rainbow of colors and weren't cultivated to be orange until much later. Adventurous gardeners and horticulturalists are getting into their roots, though, so to speak, and resurrecting carrot colors that are every bit as nutritious, just in different ways. You may have seen some of these colors showing up at local farmers markets, if not in your neighborhood grocery store. In the cultivation process, scientists have also been exploring ways to breed more nutrients into these many-colored carrots, while at the same time attempting to get consumers more interested. There have been eye rolls, however, says Philipp Simon, plant geneticist in the horticulture department at the USDA's College of Agricultural & Life Sciences in the University of Wisconsin. He and his team are looking to develop carrot varieties that are unusual in hue but still acceptable to people used to buying orange, while still tasting good and offering health benefits. Healthland, 11 Time's food segment, lists the nutritional aspects different carrot hues offer: Red — Lycopene and beta-carotene pigment, linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer Yellow — Xanthophylls and lutein are associated with cancer prevention and eye health Orange — Beta and alpha carotene pigment provide vitamin A White — Mild, with high fiber content Purple — Anthocyanin, beta and alpha carotenes may provide extra vitamin A for heart disease protection; have a sweeter and sometimes "peppery" flavor Healthland adds: "Thanks to Simon's efforts, carrots today have about 75 percent more beta-carotene (a pigment used by the body to make vitamin A) than the carrots available 25 years ago. His team at the University of Wisconsin partners with USDA's Agricultural Research Service, which supports scientists working on ways to improve Americans' nutritional intake." 12 Original Page: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/19/carrots-nutrition.aspx Shared from Pocket

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Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata draxe.com | June 20, 2017 01:00 AM Alopecia areata affects 2 percent of the worldwide population. And although it doesn’t cause physical pain or make you feel sick, it can be a psychologically devastating disease. This autoimmune disease involves the loss of hair around the scalp, face and parts of the body. It can come on at any time, without warning. It’s commonly misdiagnosed as other types of hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia (also called male pattern baldness). But with alopecia areata, your immune system is actually attacking your hair follicles. So treatment plans have to address the autoimmune response that’s occurring. ( 1 ) There are conventional medications and creams doctors commonly prescribe to help hair regrow. But most of them come with side effects and only result in temporary hair growth. There are also natural hair loss remedies that will help to boost your immune system , reduce inflammation and correct nutrient deficiencies that may be making the condition worse. What Is Alopecia Areata? Common Symptoms Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that involves the immune system attacking the cells in your hair follicles, leading to hair loss. The word alopecia means “baldness” in latin. Areata means “in patches.” So this perfectly explains this disease that results in small patches of baldness across the scalp and other parts of the face and body. The amount of hair loss experienced by people with alopecia areata varies. Some lose small, round patches of hair about the size of a quarter, which is most common. Others experience extensive or even total hair loss. ( 2 ) The most common symptoms of alopecia areata include: Hair loss : The most common site of hair loss is the scalp. Sometimes patients experience hair loss in other body sites, like the beard, eyebrows and eyelashes. Studies show that when patients develop symptoms of alopecia areata earlier in life, they experience more severe hair loss. This is especially true if hair loss begins within the first two decades of life. ( 3 ) However, the course of the disease can be unpredictable. Hair grows back spontaneously in 80 percent of patients within the first year. But sudden relapses can occur at any time. Alopecia areata involves patchy hair loss, with one or more coin-sized patches on the scalp or other areas of the body. Alopecia areata can convert into two other types of alopecia. This occurs in about 7 percent of patients with alopecia areta. ( 4 ) The two types of alopecia that can develop in patients include: alopecia areata totalis — hair loss across the entire scalp (occurs in about 5 percent of cases) alopecia areata universalis — complete hair loss (occurs in about 5 percent of cases), across the entire scalp, face and body, including areas like the eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, legs and pubic hair Nail changes : Research shows that nail changes occur in ten to 38 percent of patients with alopecia areata. The severity of the changes corresponds with the extent of hair loss. Some common changes include nail pitting (depressions in your fingernails or toenails), rough, sandpapered nails, and vertical ridges or lines that run from the base of the nail to the top. The onset of alopecia areata usually begins when a person is between 20 and 40 years old. But symptoms of the disease can occur at any age. Studies show that in 82–88 percent of cases, patients experience their first onset of alopecia areata by the age of 40. Forty percent of patients develop symptoms by 20 years old. If the symptoms develop earlier in life, there is an increased lifetime risk of a more extensive disease. ( 5 , 6 ) People with alopecia areata are also at risk for anxiety and depression, thyroid disease (including Hashimoto’s disease ), vitiligo , atopy (a heightened immune response to common allergens, which can lead to conditions like asthma and eczema ), lupus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Studies show that among patients with alopecia areata, 38–39 percent of them develop signs of depression and 39–62 percent of them develop generalized anxiety disorder. These psychiatric disorders can develop before or after the onset of alopecia areata symptoms. About half of the cases occur after the onset of symptoms. Furthermore, research shows that stressful events occur before the onset of alopecia areata in about 10 percent of adults and 10–80 percent of children with the disease. ( 7 ) Alopecia Areata Causes and Risk Factors With alopecia areata, your white blood cells — which are supposed to protect your body from foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria — attack the cells of the hair follicles that normally grow rapidly. As a result of this, the hair follicles become smaller and slow down hair production. Scientists believe that a combination of genes may predispose a person to alopecia areata. But unlike some genetic diseases, it’s unlikely that a child actually inherits all of the genes needed to predispose her to the autoimmune disease. According to a systematic review published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology , in which researchers collected data from all studies published in English within a 51 year period that was associated with alopecia areata, zero to 8.6 percent of patients with alopecia areata reported a family history of the disease. ( 8 ) Scientists believe that environmental factors perpetuate an inflammatory response that interacts with your hair follicles and heightens the body’s immune response. This interaction triggers the processes that lead to hair loss. To explain this further, scientists point to the seasonal cycle of the disease and the increase of relapses in the early spring, which is when there is an increase in viral infections. Research also shows that people who have a family member with other autoimmune diseases , like rheumatoid arthritis, type-1 diabetes, lupus , Addison’s disease or thyroid disease, have an increased risk of developing alopecia areata. ( 10 ) Conventional Treatment There is no cure for alopecia areata. Hair usually regrows on its own. Treatments make hair grow back more quickly and to prevent remission. Some of the most common conventional treatments for alopecia areata include ( 11 ): Corticosteroids : The doctor injects topical, locally injected or systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and promote hair growth. Dermatologists typically use injections of corticosteroids to treat alopecia areata. You need to have the procedure repeated every four to six weeks. This treatment method does not prevent new hair loss from occurring. It is only used to help hair to grow back in bald areas. One side effect of corticosteroid shots   is that it may leave dells, or depressions in the skin after a treatment. Some other side effects include upset stomach, lightening of the color of the skin where the injection was given, soreness at the injection sight and inflammation at the injection site. Minoxidil : Minoxidil (which is found in popular hair loss brands like Rogaine®) is a hair growth medicine used to help patients regrow their hair. It is applied topically on both adults and children by spreading the medicine on the area of hair loss, be it the scalp, face or body. Minoxidil therapy is usually combined with another type of treatment. It’s not effective on its own in treating extensive hair loss. Anthralin : Anthralin is used to alter the skin’s immune function. It is applied topically for 20-60 minutes and then washed off. Anthralin cream is used to help hair regrow in bald areas. But, it may irritate the skin and even cause a brow discoloration of the skin temporarily. Diphencyprone : Diphencyprone is applied topically to the areas of hair loss in order to stimulate the immune system. It actually causes a mild allergic reaction, thereby sending white blood cells to the surface of the bald areas. The hope is that this fights inflammation at the site of affected areas and stimulates the hair follicles to regrow hair. This type of immunotherapy is used to treat severe cases of alopecia areata, including alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. Immunosuppressants : Immunosuppressants such as methotrexate and cyclosporine block the immune response that’s causing hair loss. In a 2014 study evaluating the efficacy of methotrexate in alopecia areata, researchers found that hair regrowth greater than 50 percent occurred in 67 percent of patients. Some side effects from taking immunosuppressants like methotrexate include nausea, diarrhea, sores, pale skin and tiredness. ( 12 ) 9 Natural Treatments for Alopecia Areata 1. Probiotics It’s true that digestive tract controls your immune system. This is why probiotics can help to treat a number of autoimmune conditions, including alopecia areata. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that feeding probiotic bacteria to aged mice caused beneficial changes to the integumentary system. This resulted in healthier and younger looking hair and skin. ( 13 ) Probiotic supplements can be used to improve your immune system so that your body doesn’t overreact to perceived threats and cause inflammation. You should also eat probiotic foods daily, such as kefir, kombucha, cultured vegetables, yogurt and apple cider vinegar. 2. Zinc Zinc may work as a natural treatment for alopecia areata because it helps to boost your immune system and repair your gut, which is vital for normal immune responses. Plus, zinc is a vital mineral for important functional activities of the hair follicles. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that lower serum zinc levels are common among patients with alopecia areata, with zinc levels being the lowest in patients with severe cases of the hair loss disease. Researchers suggest that zinc supplements may provide a therapeutic benefit, especially for patients with a zinc deficiency . It can also help to eat foods high in zinc , such as pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, lamb, chickpeas, cashews, yogurt and spinach. ( 14 ) 3. Quercetin Quercetin is a type of flavonoid antioxidant that is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage. It has strong effects on immunity and works to down-regulate, or suppress, inflammatory pathways. This is why it’s often used to treat symptoms related to autoimmune disorders. A 2012 study conducted on mice found that quercetin was effective in stimulating hair regrowth when compared to placebo injections. Scientists believe that this is due to quercetin’s anti-inflammatory properties. ( 15 ) Quercetin supplements and creams are available at vitamin or health food stores. Make sure to purchase these products from a reputable company. Read the ingredient list to make sure that quercetin is the main ingredient. You may find that many formulas also include bromelain . This is  another anti-inflammatory enzyme that’s used to fight immune responses. 4. Ginseng Ginseng is a popular herbal medicine that contains various pharmacological compounds. It works to reduce inflammation and boost immune function. This helps the body to maintain immune homeostasis. A 2012 study conducted at Korea University College of Medicine found that red ginseng serves as an effective and natural treatment for alopecia areata. People who are already receiving corticosteroid injections can use it as a complementary treatment. ( 16 ) There are many varieties of ginseng available today, including powdered, dried and tablet forms of both Asian and American ginseng. 5. Lavender Essential Oil One of the many lavender oil benefits includes its ability to heal and protect the skin. It works as a powerful antioxidant and it reduces inflammation. A 2016 study conducted using mice found that when researchers applied lavender oil topically to bald patches on mice, it caused a significant increase in the number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth and thickened the dermal layer. Lavender oil treatment also significantly decreased the number of white blood cells compared to the placebo group. ( 17 ) Another study, conducted in Scotland, involved aromatherapy treatment for alopecia areata. Patients in the treatment group massaged lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood essential oils, mixed with jojoba and grapeseed carrier oils, into their scalp daily. The control group used only carrier oils. Forty-four percent of the treatment group showed improvement compared with only 15 percent of patients in the control group. The degree of improvement using photographic assessment of hair growth was significant, proving that lavender oil and other beneficial essential oils for hair serve as an effective natural treatment for alopecia areata. ( 18 ) 6. Rosemary Essential Oil Rosemary oil is commonly used to enhance hair thickness and growth. It works by increasing cellular metabolism that stimulates hair growth. Research shows that applying rosemary oil topically can be as effective as minoxidil, a conventional treatment for alopecia areata. ( 19 ) You can also use rosemary oil to treat dandruff and dry scalp. Simply apply 2–3 drops of rosemary oil directly to the area of concern twice daily. 7. Acupuncture Acupuncture is used as a natural treatment for alopecia areata because it can reduce the T1 cells that are attacking hair follicles and causing hair loss. It also works to stimulate and warm hair follicles, reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation in the affected area. ( 20 ) Acupuncture also works to reduce anxiety and depression. These are two conditions many patients with alopecia areata experience. 8. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods One of the most important components of treating an autoimmune disease naturally is to eat healing, nutrient-dense foods that will work to reduce inflammation and allow your body to recover quickly. Avoid all processed and sugary foods. Instead, eat anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables, beets, broccoli, blueberries, nuts, seeds, spices (especially turmeric and ginger), wild-caught salmon, bone broth and coconut oil. These foods provide antioxidants, important minerals and essential fatty acids. It is common for patients with alopecia areata to have nutrient deficiencies. So eat a well-balanced diet full of a variety of colors in order to make sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals that you need to get well. You can also have your levels checked by your healthcare provider. Then take specific measures to correct a deficiency. ( 21 ) 9. Reduce Stress To treat thinning hair and hair loss associated with alopecia areata, it’s important to reduce stress levels and allow your body to heal so that your hair will grow back quickly. There are a number of stress relievers that can help to encourage blood circulation and promote hair growth. These include exercise (like yoga), meditation, journaling and spending more time outdoors. Dealing with hair loss can be difficult emotionally, as you may begin to feel insecure about your appearance. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members during this difficult time. And, connect with other people who are also dealing with this skin condition. Precautions These natural treatments for alopecia areata are safe for topical and oral use. But if you notice any adverse side effects, stop using the herb, supplement or essential oil and ask your healthcare provider or nutritionist for guidance. If you are struggling with the psychological aspects of alopecia areata, such as anxiety, depression or insecurity about your hair loss, find support from a community group or therapist. It’s important that you reduce stress as much as possible in order to get well. Final Thoughts on Alopecia Areata Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that involves the immune system attacking the cells in your hair follicles, leading to hair loss. The most common symptoms of alopecia areata include patchy hair loss and nail changes, such as depressions in your fingernails, vertical ridges along your nails and rough nail texture. Scientists believe that a combination of genes and environmental factors play a role in causing alopecia areata. Conventional treatments for alopecia areata include corticosteroids (usually injected), minoxidil, anthralin, diphencyprone and immunosuppressants. There are effective and natural treatments for alopecia areata, including probiotic and zinc supplements, quercetin, ginseng, lavender and rosemary essential oils, reducing stress, eating an anti-inflammatory diet and acupuncture. Read Next: 7 Signs and Symptoms You Have Leaky Gut From the sound of it, you might think leaky gut only affects the digestive system, but in reality it can affect more. Because Leaky Gut is so common, and such an enigma, I’m offering a free webinar on all things leaky gut. Click here to learn more about the webinar. Original Page: https://draxe.com/alopecia-areata/ Shared from Pocket

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Natural Spider Bite Treatment: 10 Easy Home Remedies

Natural Spider Bite Treatment: 10 Easy Home Remedies draxe.com | June 10, 2017 10:00 AM Like bug bites, spider bites are far from desirable. However, spiders are typically just a nuisance. In fact, most of the time, spider bite treatment can done in the comfort of your own home using natural remedies. While other times, especially if a more threatening type of spider bit you, spider bites can be a lot more serious. Unlike mosquitoes that feed on humans, spiders pretty much only bite us as a defense mechanism because they are either feeling threatened or trapped. But no one really cares about why a spider bit them once they are dealing with an annoying inflamed, itchy and painful bite! I’m sure you are ready to learn some of the best options when it comes to natural treatment for spider bites including essential oils as well as common items you very likely already have in your home! Spider Bite Risk Factors, Causes & Symptoms First off, your risk of being bitten by a specific type of poisonous spider varies depending upon the state you live in. For example, living in the southwestern United States makes you more likely to come in contact with a black widow. Even spiders known for having a more serious bite don’t go around just looking to bite people. Spiders have venom to kill their prey. If a spider bites a human and injects its venom, it’s typically because they disturbed the spider’s living area or they made the spider feel trapped. If you’re looking to avoid spiders, then you want to be extra careful in sheds, garages, wood piles and with empty containers (like those used for gardening). Also, outdoors you’re more likely to find spiders inside of tree stumps or under rocks. Indoor areas that are somewhat notorious for “hiding” spiders include places that tend to be untouched and out of sight.  For example, they might lurk behind dressers and bookcases, basement and attic clutter, or those kitchen cupboards that you rarely go into. ( 1 ) What causes a spider bite? The obvious answer: a spider! But the unwanted symptoms of a spider bite are specifically caused by venom injected into you by a spider. However, the severity of your spider bite symptoms will depend upon the exact type of spider that bit you, how much venom that spider injected and how sensitive your body is to the venom. What does a spider bite look like? Like bug bites, a spider bite looks like an inflamed reddish bump . General Spider Bite Symptoms: ( 2 ) Inflammation Redness Mild pain Itching How bad your spider bite symptoms are depends on what kind of spider bit you, how much venom was injected and your body’s individual reaction to this venom. For more specific and more serious spider bite symptoms, such as the symptoms of a black widow spider bite, brown recluse spider bite or wolf spider bite, check out my previous article:  Spider Bite! Symptoms + 6 Easy Natural Treatments Conventional Spider Bite Treatment The majority of spider bites do not necessitate medical intervention and can be treated with at-home spider bite treatment. The first step in conventional home treatment is to wash the bite with soap and water. The next step is to use a cold compress on the bite area. Then, conventional spider bite treatment recommendations typically include taking over-the-counter pain killers like Tylenol® or Advil®, and oral antihistamines like Benadryl®. Instead of Benadryl®, some doctors may recommend other anti-histamines such as Claritin®, Zyrtec® or Allegra®. Conventional treatment may also include prescription steroid pills and/or topical steroid cream. In addition, if your spider bite becomes infected, antibiotics are likely to be prescribed. ( 3 ) If you are experiencing a more serious spider bite, it’s possible that your doctor may give you an antivenom injection or intravenously give you antivenom as part of your spider bite treatment. ( 4 ) 10 Home Remedies: Natural Spider Bite Treatment In fact, natural spider bites’ treatment is pretty straight-forward and not hard to do. It’s also not costly. Here are some of the best and easiest ways to a non life-threatening spider bite. Experts say that the swelling and pain of a spider bite should typically only last one to two days, similar to a bee sting . ( 5 ) 1. Ice The first step of most natural spider bite treatments is to clean the bite with warm water and soap. Next, you should apply ice to the bite area to reduce swelling for 10 minutes. Repeat icing several times a day, especially in the first 24 hours. Icing a spider bite is a conventional as well as a natural treatment for spider bite symptoms. ( 6 ) 2. Activated Charcoal Activated charcoal is known for drawing out toxins when used both internally or externally. If you apply a charcoal paste to a spider bite, it can help to draw out the venom causing your unpleasant spider bite symptoms. Apply the paste to the bite and let it sit for an hour or two. You do this twice a day until symptoms improve. ( 7 ) 3. Baking Soda Paste One of the easiest and most cost-effective options when it comes to spider bite treatment is baking soda. This common household item truly seems to have endless uses and bug and spider bites definitely make the list. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it several times a day to improve spider bite symptoms. To create a thick paste, combine three parts baking soda to one part water. 4. Elevation If you have a spider bite on an extremity, then elevation can really help to decrease swelling. So if your spider bite is on your arm or on your leg then you should elevate that limb of your body. Elevation can be especially helpful when it it comes to brown recluse spider bite treatment or black widow spider bite treatment. If you get bitten by a brown recluse or black widow, you may likely need medical attention if you have a bad reaction, but part of your home treatment plan may likely include elevation if the bite is on an arm or leg. ( 8 ) 5. No Scratching Do not scratch at your spider bite. This may sound too simple to be on the natural spider bite treatment list, but if you’ve ever started scratching at a spider bite or other bug bite, then you already know how much worse it makes the situation. The bite only gets angrier and itchier. Plus, scratching at a spider bite raises the risk of the bite becoming infected. Resist the urge to scratch and your spider bite should heal that much quicker. 6. Lavender Oil Lavender essential oil   is a perfect pick for a spider bite. It can calm spider bite inflammation and redness and also encourage healing. Simply combine a few drops of lavender oil with coconut oil and put it directly on the spider bite. You can also apply the lavender oil undiluted (just a drop or two) if you prefer. 7. Potato Poultice 8. Witch Hazel Witch hazel is known for its skin-healing, astringent and antioxidant properties. For bug bites of all kinds, including spider bites, the astringent and calming power of witch hazel  makes it an awesome spider bite treatment. Apply liquid witch hazel to the bite a few times a day to reduce itching, redness and inflammation. ( 10 ) You can also try my  DIY Anti-Itch Cream , which includes witch hazel as well as baking soda,  bentonite clay , honey and apple cider vinegar. 9. Aloe Vera Time and again aloe vera comes to the rescue for all kinds of skin woes. It’s not surprising that aloe vera can help to calm the inflammation and itchiness because it contains all kinds of helpful components including vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fatty acids. ( 11 ) You can use the gel inside of a fresh aloe vera leaf or you can look for aloe vera gel at the store. If you’re purchasing an aloe vera product, just aim for one that has the highest aloe vera content possible and the fewest added ingredients and preferably no questionable preservatives. If you read the label on many seemingly great aloe vera products, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Aloe vera can be applied to a spider bite several times a day until it improves. 10. Aspirin (Topically!) NSAIDs like aspirin are a common conventional recommendation for spider bite treatment, but instead of a swallowing one of these pills and risking NSAID side effects , you can use it externally. Make sure it’s the simplest, purest form of the little white bills and place one or 2 tablets in small amount of water to make a paste. Similar to baking soda, you can apply this paste directly to the bite, leave it on for one to two hours, wash it off and do that one to two times daily until symptoms improve. Promoters of this natural remedy say that the aspirin helps to neutralize the venom and, of course, it also helps to decrease inflammation. ( 12 ) Precautions It’s not common to die from a spider bite or to have a really serious reaction, but the worst case scenarios typically occur in the elderly, very ill people and children. ( 13 ) Immediate medical attention is necessary for a spider bite if any of the follow are true: ( 14 ) The bite area gets continually worse or spreads after applying basic first aid. The person who was bitten has difficulty breathing. The person who was bitten has severe pain, abdominal cramping or a growing ulcer at the bite site. You are unsure whether or not the bite was from a poisonous spider. It is unlikely, yet possible, to experience an allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock after a spider bites you. Anaphylactic shock can be fatal. Dial 911 if a spider bite victim is exhibiting any of these signs of anaphylactic shock: ( 15 ) Loss of consciousness Trouble breathing Rapid swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or eye area Hoarseness or wheezing Severe itching, cramping, and/or numbness Disorientation Dizziness Hives or a reddish rash Stomach cramps Final Thoughts To avoid spider bites in the first place, it’s a very wise idea to shake out footwear, gloves, clothing and blankets before using them, especially if they’ve been in storage for a while. Spider bite prevention is another great reason to get rid of clutter in your home. If you’re going into an area that you think may be housing some spiders, make loud noises or create vibration so you are less likely to startle one of these crawling creatures. If a spider does bite you, make sure to seek medical attention if needed. Start home spider bite treatment immediately, if your bite isn’t serious, and employ these many easy natural remedies to get that bite calmed down fast. Read Next: Lyme Disease Symptoms & Causes to Watch Out For Today and tomorrow, I’m hosting a free presentation all about what I’ve created to be the fastest and most authoritative way to become a Certified Essential Oil Coach. And you’re invited! Click Here to Register Whether you’re in pursuit of essential oil mastery or you want to build an essential oil business, this is a must-see presentation. Plus, I’ve set aside a half hour to answer your questions. Like I said, no charge and you can register here. Original Page: https://draxe.com/spider-bite-treatment/ Shared from Pocket

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New Studies Reveal Vaccine Harm

New Studies Reveal Vaccine Harm by Dr. Mercola , articles.mercola.com June 6, 2017 When it comes to vaccine safety, a complaint that I've frequently expressed is the lack of credible studies comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. At best, we've had vaccination surveys 1 based on self-reported data, 2 and while that evidence strongly suggested unvaccinated children experience better health and fewer health problems, they were dismissed by most public health officials as unimportant. There are also published studies showing annual influenza vaccination takes its toll on your health, 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and may do more harm than good in the long term. Now, two pilot studies led by Anthony Mawson, 7 an interdisciplinary epidemiologist and social scientist with a doctorate in public health, have helped to shed some light on the topic. The gold standard in scientific research is replication and, while the conclusions of these studies need to be replicated using other data sources, they are another piece of evidence showing there are negative health outcomes for vaccinated children, and that unvaccinated children are actually healthier. It's a good start, and it's important to know these studies exist. Vaccination Schedule May Place Preemies at Increased Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders The first paper, 8 published in the peer-reviewed open-access Journal of Translational Science April 24, 2017, is a cross-sectional study of 6- to 12-year-olds exploring the association between preterm birth, vaccination and neurodevelopmental disorders, using data from both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. Preemies receive the same vaccines and number of doses recommended by the federal childhood vaccination schedule as full-term babies, and on the same time schedule. Data show anywhere from 8 to 27 percent of extremely preterm infants develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Premature birth is a known risk factor for neurodevelopmental problems of varying severity, yet prior to this study, the impact of the vaccination schedule on this risk had never been assessed. Not surprisingly, the results suggest the federally recommended childhood vaccination schedule may be inappropriate for premature infants. The abstract reads, in part: "The possible role of vaccination in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) among premature infants is unknown, in part because pre-licensure clinical trials of pediatric vaccines have excluded ex-preterm infants. This paper explores the association between preterm birth, vaccination and NDD, based on a secondary analysis of data from an anonymous survey of mothers, comparing the birth history and health outcomes of vaccinated and unvaccinated homeschool children 6 to 12 years of age. A convenience sample of 666 children was obtained, of which 261 (39 percent) were unvaccinated, 7.5 percent had an NDD … and 7.7 percent were born preterm. No association was found between preterm birth and NDD in the absence of vaccination … However, vaccination coupled with preterm birth was associated with increasing odds of NDD, ranging from 5.4 [percent] compared to vaccinated but non-preterm children, to 14.5 [percent] compared to children who were neither preterm nor vaccinated. The results of this pilot study suggest clues to the epidemiology and causation of NDD but question the safety of current vaccination practices for preterm infants. Further research is needed to validate and investigate these associations in order to optimize the impact of vaccines on children's health." Vaccination Linked to Higher Risk of NDD Among Full-Term Babies Too The fact that no link was found between premature birth and NDDs among the unvaccinated raises the disturbing possibility that the vaccination schedule for premature babies could be responsible for the neurological disorders some premature babies exhibit, which have been previously assumed to be simply a result of premature birth. This provocative possibility is further strengthened by the finding that vaccination was, in fact, linked with a higher risk of NDD among full-term children. As noted in the paper, aside from preemies being excluded from pre-licensure vaccine trials, another reason this issue has never been formally investigated is "the assumed overall safety of vaccinations." The results reveal why assuming safety uses seriously flawed logic. Another powerful example of why safety should never be assumed are West African studies that revealed a high titer measles vaccine interacted with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine and resulted in a 33 percent increase in infant mortality. 9 Those shocking findings led to the withdrawal of that measles vaccine. But what would have happened had those studies never been done? Clearly, we need more like them. The fact is, all vaccines need to be carefully evaluated not only individually for long-term safety, but also for synergistic toxicity when the vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines and given repeatedly over a period of time. In 2013, a physician committee at the Institute of Medicine (IOM), National Academy of Sciences, pointed out that the current federally recommended childhood vaccine schedule for infants and children from birth to age 6 had not been adequately studied for safety. 10 The physicians and IOM staff only were able to identify fewer than 40 studies published in the previous 10 years that addressed the 0 to 6-year-old child vaccine schedule. The IOM committee concluded there was not enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not the numbers of doses and timing of federally recommended vaccines children receive in the first six years of life are associated with health problems in premature infants or the development of chronic brain and immune system disorders that affect a child's intellectual development, learning, attention, communication and behavior, such as ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and autism. This is why Mawson's pilot studies have great value and why many more studies comparing the health of vaccinated and unvaccinated children must be conducted. As noted by the IOM's 11 2013 "Childhood Immunization Schedule and Safety" report, studies are needed to examine the: Long-term cumulative effects of vaccines Timing of vaccination in relation to the age and health of the child Effects of the total load or number of vaccines given at one time Effect of vaccine ingredients in relation to health outcomes Biological mechanisms of vaccine-associated injury It's also important for people to understand that the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) database, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses to publish studies concluding that vaccine risks are negligible or nonexistent, is a closed database. 12 The patient medical records data in the VSD is obtained from HMOs that are paid by the CDC to participate. VSD medical records data is not readily available to researchers, if at all, making the CDC's conclusions virtually impossible to replicate and verify. This simply isn't right because it prevents independent confirmation of the CDC's conclusions that vaccine risks are minimal and the government's early childhood vaccine schedule is safe, thereby contributing to the poor evidence base for or against vaccine safety. Summary of Findings The authors of the recently published study on premature birth, vaccination and neurodevelopmental disorders summarize their findings as follows: Preterm birth without vaccination was not associated with NDD Term birth with vaccination was associated with a 2.7-fold (270 percent) increase in the odds of NDD Preterm birth with vaccination was associated with a 5.4-fold increase in the odds of NDD compared to the odds of NDD given term birth and vaccination Preterm birth with vaccination was associated with a 12.3-fold increased odds of NDD compared to preterm birth without vaccination (not technically significant because no child in the sample with an NDD was both preterm and unvaccinated) Preterm birth with vaccination was associated with a 14.5-fold increased odds of NDD compared to being neither preterm nor vaccinated In adjusted regression analyses, the association between vaccination and NDD remained even after taking other contributing factors into account. In the final adjusted model, the combination of preterm birth with vaccination was associated with a 660 percent increased odds of NDD, "suggesting a synergistic effect." How do the authors explain these findings? A "tentative hypothesis" for why preemies are at increased risk for NDD was associated with receipt of one or more vaccines. The authors concluded: "Receipt of one or more vaccines could precipitate NDD in some preterm infants by exacerbating a preexisting inflammatory state associated with prematurity, leading to hepatic encephalopathy and hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Impaired liver function is a predisposing factor for preterm birth and the latter is associated with increased risks of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury … Consistent with this hypothesis, liver dysfunction is reported as an adverse effect of vaccination and as a feature of children with autism. Furthermore, hyperbilirubinemia is associated with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage and is a feature of the preterm infant as well as children with later-onset cognitive disorders and ASD." Pilot Study Compares Health of Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Children The second paper, 13 published on the same issue of the journal, was a pilot study "designed as a cross-sectional survey of homeschooling mothers on their vaccinated and unvaccinated biological children ages 6 to 12," in which a wider range of health outcomes was evaluated. The results showed vaccinated children were: "[S]ignificantly more likely to have been diagnosed with pneumonia, otitis media, allergies and NDD (that is, ASD, ADHD and/or a learning disability). The vaccinated were also more likely to use allergy medication, to have had myringotomies with tube placement, visited a doctor for a health problem in the previous year, and been hospitalized at some time in the past." More specifically, the results showed vaccinated children (whether partially or fully vaccinated) were significantly more likely than the unvaccinated to have been diagnosed with: Otitis media (19.8 percent versus 5.8 percent) Pneumonia (6.4 percent versus 1.2 percent Allergic rhinitis (10.4 percent versus 0.4 percent) as well as other allergies (22.2 percent versus 6.9 percent) Eczema/ atopic dermatitis (9.5 percent versus 3.6 percent) Any chronic illness (44 percent versus 25 percent) IOM's Vaccine Safety Review Is Still of Massive Importance This is a perfect time to mention the IOM's vaccine safety review, "Adverse Effects of Vaccines: Evidence and Causality," 14 published in August 2011. Along with other reports the IOM has published on vaccine safety issues beginning in 1991, it is one of the most important scientific reviews of evidence in the medical literature that vaccines can cause injury and death. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) through the IOM (recently renamed Health and Medicine Division) historically has analyzed health policies and issued reports at the request of the U.S. government. Considered worldwide to be a prestigious scientific body, the NAS is funded not just by federal agencies, but also by pharmaceutical companies and independent philanthropic organizations and individuals. Although vaccine safety advocates have criticized the IOM's reports as being too conservative and minimizing the full extent of vaccine risks, no other recognized scientific authority has so clearly acknowledged that vaccines do cause harm, especially for susceptible individuals, and that there are large vaccine science knowledge gaps about safety that need to be addressed. The first IOM reports on vaccine safety came out in 1991 (pertussis and rubella vaccines) 15 and 1994 (DPT, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, HIB and hepatitis B vaccines). 16 , 17 However, the IOM's 2011 review of recent medical literature was significant because it was quite comprehensive. Over a period of three years, a physician committee reviewed over 1,000 vaccine studies related to safety issues. Interestingly, and importantly, they excluded studies funded by the pharmaceutical industry. The IOM review focused on eight vaccines: ✓ Hepatitis A-hepatitis B ✓ Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine ✓ Meningococcal vaccine ✓ Pneumococcal vaccine ✓ Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, also known as DTaP or Tdap ✓ Varicella zoster (chickenpox) ✓ HPV vaccine ✓ Influenza vaccine Shocking Conclusion: IOM Unable to Make Causation Conclusions for Most Vaccine-Related Adverse Health Outcomes Perhaps the most important thing the IOM did in this review was that they looked at two categories of science: Epidemiological research (large studies comparing the health outcomes of different groups of people) Bench science (basic science research into the biological mechanisms at work in the body at the cellular and molecular level) This is important because many of the studies the CDC relies on as evidence that vaccines don't cause any problems are epidemiological studies and, if poor methodology is used, the conclusions of epidemiological studies can be fatally flawed. In the 2011 review, the IOM committee reviewed both kinds of science. The most shocking conclusion of this report is that, for more than 100 adverse health outcomes reported after the eight vaccines were given, the IOM committee was unable to determine whether or not the vaccines caused a commonly reported brain or immune system disorder. In short: The scientific evidence was insufficient to make a conclusion in most cases. So the committee was unable to confirm or deny causation for most reported poor health outcomes following receipt of certain vaccines, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and autism. IOM Did Not Exonerate Vaccines as Being Safe for Everyone See Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se33NzQAZCk Why was the IOM unable to determine whether there was a direct causative link between vaccines and the many serious health outcomes evaluated in these studies? Barbara Loe Fisher, founder of the National Vaccine Information Center, www.NVIC.org , which is, unquestionably, the best resource for accessing referenced information on U.S. vaccine policy and law and the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, suggested four possible explanations: The studies were not available in the published literature There were too few studies showing the same link The available studies were methodologically unsound The available studies were conflicting (i.e., there was evidence both for and against) In the video above, I interview Fisher about this important IOM report. At the time, Fisher stated: "What I call this category is the 'We Don't Know' category. When you think about it, these vaccines are mandated for children, and yet in most instances the scientific evidence [of safety] is so poor, they don't know! When the report came out, there were a lot of organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics that came forth and said, 'They didn't find causation … so vaccines are safe.' That's NOT what that report said at all. I think people need to understand the significance of it … [T]he category of 'We Don't Know' is a very important category." IOM Proposed Individual Susceptibility May Be a Cofactor Importantly, the IOM report also discussed individual susceptibility: the fact that some people are more vulnerable to suffering vaccine reactions and injury for biological, genetic and environmental reasons. According to the report, both epidemiologic and biological mechanism research suggests that many individuals who experience an adverse reaction to vaccines have a preexisting susceptibility. However, the report also states that in most cases physicians DO NOT KNOW what those individual susceptibilities are and cannot predict ahead of time who will be harmed by vaccination. That said, the physician committee conducting the 2011 IOM medical literature review listed some individual susceptibilities they believe may be important, including: Genetic variation Age Coinciding illness Environmental factors It's a 600-page report, so it's not light reading by any means. Still, every physician who administers vaccines really should read it. It's part of their responsibility to be informed about what's in the published medical literature. This report makes it clear that when a patient's health deteriorates after vaccination, you cannot simply brush it off as a coincidence. Doctors have a responsibility to take each instance of a health problem that follows vaccination seriously, especially emergency room visits, hospitalizations, injuries and deaths, and file a report with the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). When an individual experiences a deterioration in health after vaccination, doctors also need to understand the danger of giving more vaccinations until or unless the vaccine can be conclusively exonerated as a causative or contributing factor to that health deterioration. And guess what? For over 100 adverse events, science says they do not know whether the vaccine might be a causative factor. What this tells us is that physicians — or anyone — recommending and administering vaccines to people, particularly to vulnerable infants and children, need to apply the precautionary principle of "first do no harm." This is critically important when the foundation of science supporting the safety of any given vaccine, alone or in combination, for any given individual is so weak. Original Page: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/06/vaccinated-vs-unvaccinated-populations.aspx Shared from Pocket

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Hepatitis C Symptoms + 8 Natural Ways to Manage Them

Hepatitis C Symptoms + 8 Natural Ways to Manage Them draxe.com | June 8, 2017 10:00 AM Hepatitis C symptoms often go overlooked because they are similar to common illnesses, like the flu. In fact, most people with hepatitis C don’t experience symptoms until decades after they contract the virus — after their liver is damaged. That’s the scary thing about hepatitis C — it often becomes a chronic condition before people even know they have it.  It’s also the leading cause of liver cancer, the most common reason for liver transplants in the U.S. and a common cause of cirrhosis . Plus, studies show that the prevalence of hepatitis C is on the rise. A very recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that cases of hepatitis C virus infection in U.S. women in their reproductive years doubled from 2006 to 2014, rising from roughly 15,000 cases to 30,000. As a result, an estimated 1,700 infants were born with hepatitis C between 2011 and 2014. ( 1 ) So what are the causes of hepatitis C and how do you know if you’re infected? Keep reading to answer these questions. If you think you’re at risk of contracting the virus, make an appointment to get tested. The sooner your doctor diagnoses you, the higher your chances of fighting the virus, even with natural remedies that support your liver and help it to function properly. What Is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is an infectious liver disease that’s caused by a virus. There are at least six different genotypes and 50 subtypes. Seventy-four percent of Americans have genotype 1. This makes it the most common type in the United States. When the hepatitis C virus first infects a person, he or she may experience hepatitis C symptoms caused by an inflamed liver. Unlike many other viral infections, the hepatitis C virus does not attack the immune system. It causes an inflammatory response within the liver. ( 2 ) Some people are able to fight the virus when it’s still in the acute phase. But research shows that 75 to 85 percent of people infected with hepatitis C progress to a chronic infection that persists for more than six months. Chronic hepatitis C causes tiny scars in the liver, disabling proper liver function. The liver works hard to detoxify your blood, produce bile needed to digest fat, regulate blood composition, store essential nutrients and break down hormones. When the liver doesn’t work properly, it can negatively affect the entire body. Because chronic hepatitis C leads to inflammation and scarring of the liver, it can cause serious health concerns, including the following: Cirrhosis : Researchers estimate that up to 20 percent of those chronically infected with hepatitis C will develop liver cirrhosis within 20 to 25 years of contracting hepatitis C. Cirrhosis is a serious disease that involves the development of scar tissue in the liver. This causes liver dysfunction that impairs the organ’s essential processes, like blood flow, the elimination of waste and toxins from the body, the digestion of certain essential nutrients and the regulation of hormone levels. ( 3 ) Liver failure : The most common reason for a liver transplant in the United States is hepatitis C-induced liver failure. Unfortunately, data shows that approximately 50 percent of individuals who have received a liver transplant due to hepatitis C liver failure go on to experience a recurrence of the virus. ( 4 ) Liver cancer : Hepatocellular carcinoma , or cancer of the liver, is the “fifth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death,” according to research published in Recent Results of Cancer Research . The majority of liver cancer cases are associated with chronic viral hepatitis. As the incidence of hepatitis C viral infections continue to increase, researchers expect rates of liver cancer to rise as well, with the majority of cases caused by hepatitis C-induced cirrhosis. ( 5 ) Death : According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of every 100 persons infected with the hepatitis C virus, approximately 1–5 of them will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer. In 2014, almost 20,000 people died from issues caused by hepatitis C, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. ( 6 ) Signs & Symptoms of Hepatitis C For some people, it can be hard to tell if they have hepatitis C because the symptoms aren’t very noticeable until damage is already done to the liver. This is why it’s sometimes called a “silent infection.” In fact, 45–85 percent of people who have hepatitis C don’t know it. ( 7 ) It’s common to have the infection for over 15 years before ever noticing hepatitis C symptoms. The CDC states that 20–30 percent of people newly infected by the disease experience hepatitis C symptoms, usually within 4–12 weeks of onset. The symptoms of hepatitis C are similar to other common illnesses, like the flu. This is why people typically don’t realize that they are infected with a serious viral disease. People who have contracted hepatitis C may notice the following health issues ( 8 ): fatigue bleeding easily taking longer for bleeding to stop bruising easily fever diarrhea nausea vomiting swelling in the legs joint pain sore muscles dark-colored urine swelling of the belly stomach pain loss of appetite weight loss yellowed eyes and skin ( jaundice ) itchy skin confusion You can do a simple blood test to find out if you have hepatitis C. People at risk of contracting the virus should be tested because hepatitis C symptoms usually don’t become noticeable until after liver damage has already begun. When a person tests positive for hepatitis C, he or she can begin treatment immediately and will take precautions to ensure that the virus won’t spread to others. adults born from 1945–1965 injection drug users people with HIV people who have received clotting factor concentrates made before 1987 anyone who was ever on long-term hemodialysis those with abnormal ALT ( alanine aminotransferase ) levels anyone who received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 Hepatitis C Causes & Risk Factors Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that spreads through infected blood. The blood of an infected person enters the bloodstream of someone who is not infected. Here’s an explanation of some of the leading causes and risk factors of hepatitis C: Drug use : Today, the highest risk of infection is from sharing needles to inject drugs. According to research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases , there is an ongoing epidemic of hepatitis C in the U.S. among young adult injection-drug users. Researchers point out high-risk locations, including suburban and rural areas in Wisconsin, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida and a Native American community in Northern Plains. Outbreaks are also higher among young white adults who are 30 years old or younger and have a history of prescription opioid use. ( 10 ) Studies show that 8–25 percent of people under the age of 30 who inject drugs will contract hepatitis C. The prevalence continues to rise as the number of drug users has continued to increase in recent years. And data suggests that incidence rates are highest among people new to injected drug use, as 25 percent of them become infected with hepatitis C within two years of beginning injected drugs. ( 11 , 12 ) Sexual activity : The transmission of hepatitis C through sexual activity remains a controversial subject among scientists. Research shows that the risk of hepatitis C transmission depends on the type of sexual relationship. A 2013 study conducted at the University of California San Francisco evaluated 500 couples that consisted of one hepatitis C positive person in order to research the risk of spreading hepatitis C within monogamous, heterosexual couples.Researchers found that hepatitis C virus prevalence among partners was 4 percent, with a maximum incidence rate of hepatitis C transmission by sex among heterosexual, monogamous couples being 0.07 percent per year. ( 13 ) Although the prevalence among monogamous, heterosexual couples is low, the risk of spreading hepatitis C is greater among male couples, especially those infected with HIV. The risk is also greater for men and women with multiple sexual partners. ( 14 , 15 ) Being born between 1945–1965 : According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “of the estimated 3.2 million people chronically infected with hepatitis C in the U.S., approximately 75 percent were born during 1945-1965.” National data suggests that people born in these years are five times more likely to be infected with hepatitis C. In fact, it’s the leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplants among people from this age group. ( 16 ) Childbirth : Mothers can also pass the virus to their infants during childbirth. Research shows that the type of childbirth, whether C-section or vaginal birth, does not influence transmission. Also, mothers who engage in active drug use and also have HIV are more likely to pass the hepatitis C virus to their newborns. ( 17 ) Casual contact, like hugging, holding hands, sharing utensils or kissing will not spread the virus. If the blood of an infected person enters an area of broken skin, the virus can spread. So people with hepatitis C should not share razor blades, toothbrushes or nail clippers with others. Hepatitis C is not a hereditary disease; it can only spread when an infected person shares the blood of a non-infected person. ( 18 ) Conventional Treatment for Hepatitis C The first step in hepatitis C treatment is for your doctor to evaluate you for the presence or severity of liver disease. Your doctor will most likely use liver function tests to determine if any damage has already been done to your liver since you were infected. Your treatment will depend on the condition of your liver and the hepatitis C genotype that you have. A person with acute hepatitis C can be treated with medications. This can sometimes help to prevent the development of chronic hepatitis C. However, most people don’t know they have the virus until it’s already chronic and there is liver damage. Treatment for chronic hepatitis C involves antiviral medicines. Sometimes people need to try different combinations of medicines until they find what works for their bodies. There are a number of FDA-approved hepatitis medications. Most of them fall into one of these categories: Protease inhibitors — Used to attack the virus and stop it from reproducing. Polymerase inhibitors — Blocks a specific protein that the hepatitis C virus needs to grow. Direct-acting antivirals  — Interferes with enzymes that the hepatitis C relies on to multiply. In June of 2016, the FDA approved a drug called Epclusa , which is the first medication that can be used to treat all hepatitis C genotypes. This drug contains a combination of antiviral medications. It’s usually given in combination with another drug called ribavirin to treat patients with cirrhosis. Side effects of Epclusa include slowing heartbeat, shallow breathing, headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia and trouble concentrating. ( 19 ) 8 Natural Ways to Manage Hepatitis C Symptoms 1. Zinc Zinc is necessary for normal liver function and it plays a role in multiple aspects of the immune system. Several studies have found that zinc supplementation helps to improve symptoms of hepatitis C, including digestive issues, weight loss and hair loss. Zinc is also a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune function, which is important for people fighting the hepatitis C virus. ( 20 ) 2. Probiotics Research shows that probiotics help to support the liver because the beneficial bacteria in the gut promotes the health of the liver and allows it to function properly. Probiotics also improve the immune system’s defenses so that it can fight off the overgrowth of pathogens that lead to disease. If there are too many unhealthy bacteria in the intestines, this can have a serious impact on the liver. One study published in Hepatitis Monthly found that probiotic therapy can reduce the symptoms and improve different types of liver disease. Researchers also noted that probiotic therapy is safe, noninvasive and inexpensive when used by patients with liver disease. ( 21 ) 3. Black Seed Oil Black seed oil benefits the function of the liver due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immune-stimulating effects. A key compound of black seed oil, thymoquinone, protects the liver from injury through several mechanisms like scavenging free radicals and elevating glutathione levels. Research shows that black seed oil protects the liver from liver damage. Also, it can help to postpone the progression of chronic liver disease. ( 22 ) 4. Vitamin D Research shows that it’s common for people with chronic hepatitis C to have a vitamin D deficiency  because it needs to be stored in the liver and fatty tissues. Getting enough vitamin D will help to enhance immune function, improve mood and concentration, and even fight diabetes, which is common among people with hepatitis C. Studies show that taking vitamin D supplements along with hepatitis C medications can have positive effects by helping to raise vitamin D levels. ( 23 , 24 ) 5. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet Loss of appetite and weight loss are common symptoms of hepatitis C. But it’s important that people with the virus eat a healthy and well-balanced diet in order to ensure that they are getting essential vitamins and minerals. If you are having trouble eating or you are experiencing digestive problems, stick to small, simple meals and water throughout the day. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (like avocados and coconut oil) and high-fiber foods that will help to regulate digestion. Also, consuming probiotic foods can be beneficial, and so will foods that help to cleanse the liver so that it can function properly, like sweet potatoes, bananas, ginger root and even liver from organic, grass-fed cattle. Stay away from refined carbohydrates and sugars, sugary drinks and processed foods that will only damage the liver further. 6. Avoid Alcohol and Drug Use For people with liver disease, their livers cannot break down alcohol quickly enough, which leads to inflammation and toxicity. Plus, alcohol makes it more difficult for your liver to absorb essential nutrients. So, drinking alcohol can contribute to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that will make hepatitis C symptoms worse. Injected drug use is one of the leading causes of hepatitis C. If you are already infected, you can spread it to others if you keep using. Plus, you’re harming your body and spirit with these drugs and increasing your chances of becoming another death of despair . Quit drinking alcohol and using drugs immediately, and get help if you need it — it can save your life. ( 25 ) 7. Engage in Gentle Physical Activity Gentle exercise throughout the week can help you to relieve some hepatitis C symptoms, like tiredness and low energy. Some great forms of gentle exercise include yoga , pilates, qigong  and tai chi . Even a walk outside can be beneficial by helping to boost energy levels and raising your vitamin D levels too. The best part about all of these exercises is that they not only work your body, but they benefit your mind and spirit as well. This can be extremely important when you’re struggling with hepatitis C symptoms and associated health issues. 8. Take Precautions to Prevent Spreading the Virus In order to prevent spreading the hepatitis C virus, there are some precautions that you can take. Do not share any of your personal items that may have blood of them, such as razors or toothbrushes. If you have an open cut or sore, cover it until it has healed completely. Also, don’t donate blood, organs, tissue or semen. Remember that hepatitis C cannot spread by casual contact, like hugging, kissing, holding hands or coughing. And, there is a low risk of transmission from sex when you’re in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship. If you are not in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship, use condoms to prevent the spread of hepatitis C. Precautions If you choose to use herbal supplements to help manage your hepatitis C symptoms, do so under the guidance of your doctor. Medications and even herbal remedies can stress your liver. This can be extremely problematic for people who have hepatitis C-induced cirrhosis or liver disease. Plus, some herbal supplements interact with hepatitis C medications, so tell your doctor exactly what you’re taking. Final Thoughts on Hepatitis C Symptoms Hepatitis C is an infectious liver disease caused by a virus. There are at least six different genotypes and 50 subtypes. Seventy-four percent of Americans have genotype 1. Of every 100 persons infected with the hepatitis C virus, approximately 1–5 of them will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer. In 2014, almost 20,000 people died from issues caused by hepatitis C, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis C symptoms usually develop after someone has the virus for many years, when the liver is already damaged. Some common symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, bleeding easily, bruising easily, jaundice, fever, digestive issues, joint pain, dark-colored urine and swelling of the belly. Today, the number one cause of hepatitis C is injected drug use. The prevalence of hepatitis C continues to rise as the rate of injected drug use rises in the United States. There are natural remedies that can help you to manage your hepatitis C symptoms, such as supplementing with zinc and vitamin D, plus taking probiotics and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes foods that help to cleanse the liver. Read Next: 6 Step Liver Cleanse From the sound of it, you might think leaky gut only affects the digestive system, but in reality it can affect more. Because Leaky Gut is so common, and such an enigma, I’m offering a free webinar on all things leaky gut. Click here to learn more about the webinar. Original Page: https://draxe.com/hepatitis-c-symptoms/ Shared from Pocket