Daily Health News Blog

Nearly every aspect of cow’s milk inspires debate—from its fat, protein and sugar (lactose) content to the hormone residues it may contain, the pasteurization process it undergoes, and even its very suitability for human consumption. We’ve discussed all that, but some of our readers have raised concerns about something else: homogenization. You may wonder, what could be wrong with homogenized milk? Well, it seems there are plenty of people who are promoting “non-homogenized” milk as a healthier option. You may see it on the shelves in health-food stores and some supermarkets. Let’s get one thing out of the way first: non-homogenized isn’t necessarily raw milk (“raw” simply means not pasteurized). Though all raw milk is non-homogenized, not all non-homogenized milk is raw. And while raw milk poses definite health risks, non-homogenized milk does not unless it’s not pasteurized. Ye olde milk? When cow’s milk is not homogenized, its fat separates out, producing a layer of crea

Do people who are religious or who have a nonreligious set of spiritual beliefs that guide them in their daily life have an advantage over those who don't when it comes to mental and physical well-being? A growing body of research suggests that religion and spirituality may help some people better cope with illness, depression and stress.  Although religion and spirituality may not cure illness, they can have a positive effect on your health. Several medical studies show a connection between religious beliefs or practices and a decreased risk of self-destructive behaviors such as smoking, substance abuse and suicide. Other studies suggest that people who have regular religious practices tend to live longer and may be better able to enjoy life despite health issues like chronic pain. Several recent studies (which focus on spirituality in a religious context) suggest that spirituality has the potential to: Prevent depression.  In a study of more than 92,500 postmenopaus

Causes of constant Heartburn and indigestion can be an indication of overeating, bad food choices or something more serious. Fortunately, simple improvements in the foods you eat can provide relief. A wide variety of foods can trigger heartburn or indigestion by relaxing the band of muscles at the end of your esophagus so it cannot keep out stomach acid. By avoiding spicy foods with black pepper or chili powder, garlic and raw onions, citrus foods like tomatoes, oranges, and grapefruit, fried or fatty foods, alcohol or anything with caffeine such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, heartburn and indigestion can be greatly lessened or avoided. For overall healthy digestion and to minimize acid reflux, make sure you get plenty of fiber from a variety of vegetables, non-citrus fruits, and whole grains. Drink enough fluids to help your body absorb important nutrients and lubricate food waste, and use low-fat methods when cooking. Try drinking herbal chamomile tea after dinner or before

Doctors at Duke University say walking is the magic pill for better health. Walking is among one of the most effective ways to get the exercise you need to stay healthy. Study shows time and again that walking is the most natural movement to us and the most beneficial of all. Daily walks are essential to our health and wellness, to our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Many people walk as much for mental and spiritual well-being as for fitness. Walking lowers high cholesterol levels, lowers high blood pressure, burns off excess calories, boosts your mood, lowers stress levels and much, much more. “Studies have shown that spending as little as an hour a week in a natural area can have a positive influence on creativity” says James A. Swan, PhD, author of Nature as Teacher and Healer. New ideas, thoughts and emotions often surface during a walk.  A brisk 30-minute walk every day can make significant changes to you overall health. If you are overweight, walk off those e

You get one body to live with and you want to keep it moving and functioning. Getting older shouldn't automatically mean you slow down. One of the best ways to stay on the move is with preventive health care. Key screenings and tests can help your doctor find medical problems early -- before they cause bigger problems that make them more complicated to treat. Don’t let the cost keep you from having these tests. Most health plans, including Medicare, pay for preventive tests. Your doctor can help make the case if you need a test and may be able to direct you to free or low-cost programs. 1. Blood pressure check. You can have a heart attack, a stroke, and eye and kidney problems without ever knowing you have high blood pressure. It’s a condition without symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked, even if you don’t think you have a problem. If your blood pressure is lower than 120/80, at least once every two years is fine. If your blood pressure is

I know from personal and professional experience that the things people say to themselves about food, both of a negative and positive nature, impact their relationship with food. The negative thoughts make people eat less well over time, increasing food’s power and the positive thoughts improve diet, making people feel more in control. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here are 10 things people tell themselves about food that compromise eating, followed by better things to do and say. 1. I should or shouldn’t eat X: The word “should” almost always invokes rebellion when it comes to food. In fact, the second we say we should or shouldn’t eat something, we don’t want what we “should” have and we crave what we “shouldn’t” have even more! A better thing to do is ask yourself what you really want to eat. Yeah, it might be something sweet or fried but then again, it might be the more wholesome option. Freeing yourself to have what you truly desire, not what your mind

Ideally, adopting a good nutritional diet would be basic, simple and easy to understand. However, in this day and age of contradicting reports, a million variations on labeling information and not knowing what to believe, it can be really hard to put the right foods on the table. Use the advice offered here to help you get started on the road towards better nutrition. Be sure that you are eating enough meat. To grow your muscles, proteins like those found in red meat can be useful. Whether you choose beef, pork or chicken is up to you; it is just important to get the nutrients that are needed by your muscles. Eat a minimum of 10 ounces per day. Fiber is absolutely essential for your body in many ways. Having enough fiber lowers your risk for developing diabetes, obesity, heart problems, and many other conditions. Cholesterol and fats can be flushed from your system quickly by consuming soluablw fiber. Twenty grams of fiber a day is sufficient for women, but men require closer