Former Smokers More Likely to Beat Lung Cancer than Current Smokers

Elizabeth Renter

It’s a no brainer that non-smokers are less likely to die of lung cancer than smokers. It would seem that quitting smoking would have similar benefits—potentially extending your life even after a cancer diagnosis. But new research shows it isn’t that simple, that while never-smokers are the most likely to survive a lung cancer diagnosis, just how quitting benefits your cancer fight - survival depends on when you quit and the stage your cancer is in.

Published in the journal Cancer, the newest research says that there are some benefits to quitting smoking where lung cancer is concerned (duh!). Those patients who quit smoking a year or more before diagnosis, and who are diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease saw the greatest chances of survival increase when compared with those in the early stages of cancer.

According to Reuters:

Among smokers with stage 1 or 2 lung cancer, for instance, 72 percent survived at least two years, compared to 93 percent of the never-smokers and 76 percent of people who’d kicked the habit a year or more before diagnosis.

Monsanto’s Roundup, Glyphosate Linked to Parkinson’s and Similar Diseases

Elizabeth Renter

We already know the links between herbicides and sterility in men, birth defects, mental illness, obesity and possibly cancer—but now we have something new to add to the nasty effects of pesticides list — Parkinson’s disease and similar neurodegenerative conditions.

New research, published in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology, indicates a connection between a component in Monsanto’s Roundup and Parkinson’s disease. Glyphosate is said to induce cell death, with frightening repercussions.

GreenMedInfo.com reports the study was investigating the links between herbicides (weed killers) and brain damage. These chemicals, the study’s authors say, “have been recognized as the main environmental factor associated with neurodegenerative disorders,” like Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative nervous system disease. It slowly progresses as time goes on with common symptoms like tremors, rigidity, difficulty walking, poor posture, lack of movement, and slowness of movement, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The CDC reports Parkinson’s as the 14th leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2010 (the last year for which data is available), there was 4.6% increase in the number of deaths attributed to this disease. One has to wonder if there is a connection between this jump and the ever-growing prevalence of herbicides like Roundup in our air, food, and water.

Why Does Organic Food Matter?

Elizabeth Renter

As if most consumers weren’t confused enough already about making the “right” food choices, the pseudo-scientific Stanford study released early last month had many of those on the fence thinking it was okay to once-again blindly trust what they found on their supermarket shelves. But, let’s lay this argument to rest (again) and talk about why organics really do matter. 

What does organic really mean? Well, the USDA certifies foods that are organic when the growers, handlers, and producers use practices that adhere to their standards. These standards vary by food product and the USDA certifier must inspect the farm before a food can be labeled as organic.

Generally, however, organic produce in particular is that which is produced “without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.” This immediately excludes genetically modified foods (GMOs). 

What’s Next for GMOs? How About Genetically Modified Trees!

Elizabeth Renter

Industries are all about making more money, at any cost. If they can develop something now that will save money and produce more down the road, they will—often tossing ethical concerns to the side. Need proof? Just look at Big Pharma’s sales of harmful drugs, their cycle of side effects and treatments, or even how they want to make genetically modified plants to produce pharmaceutical drugs. Need more proof? Look at Monsanto and environmentally destructive herbicides. The latest movement towards increased production at a lesser cost comes in the form of genetically modified trees.

Further Altering Nature, Now with Genetically Modified Trees!

Genetically modified trees are being developed in the U.S. and around the world. A new paper, circulated at outside of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Convention on Biological Diversity cautions that GM tree research is being done without much oversight and with limited information.

As reported on the Science and Development Network, the industries pushing this research are those that can serve to make money off of the GMO trees. They are testing their genetic alterations in the lab with poplars, pines, acacias, and eucalyptus trees just to name a few.

9 Supermarket Secrets: What Your Grocer Won’t Tell You

Elizabeth Renter

If you love reading about natural health, you may already be a little suspicious of every food on your grocer’s shelves. At this point, you are likely a label reader, you check produce stickers to see how far your vegetables have traveled, and you are on the lookout for food items you know, or at least suspect, may have genetically-modified ingredients.

But, are you aware of all the many supermarket secrets that could be working against your physical and financial health – aside from you feeling things like nasty effects of pesticides smothered on your produce?

Selling food is a business—from the subsidized soy and corn producers to the shelf-space in the grocery stores. And like any business, the primary concern is making money. Here are just a few ways that many grocery stores put your health and your budget to the test.

You decide which of these supermarket secrets are acceptable, and which methods seem to be less than ethical practices:

Why Does the Government Care so Much About Vaccinating You?

Elizabeth Renter

The government cares about you being vaccinated. No, they don’t necessarily care about the negative effects of the vaccination or your concerns, but they do invest millions of dollars to ensure as many people as possible receive things like the flu vaccine every year. They say they care because they want you healthy, but evidence shows not only do they not care, but vaccinations aren’t a good way to maintain health. Why? What’s the big motivator for the government to push vaccines like a dealer pushing illegal drugs on the corner?

Like any other drug dealer, there’s only ever one real motivation, and it isn't your health.

The Alliance for Natural Health reports that the federal government has recently invested $400 million towards developing vaccines and similar drugs. This money is going to the Big Pharma companies of Novartis, Lonza, and GlaxoSmithKline, among others. They recently gave Sanofi Pasteur $77.4 million to retrofit their vaccine plant, far less than the company is putting towards the changes themselves. They’re doling out taxpayer money by the fortune and giving it to these companies who hide behind what they call “prevention” and “preparedness,” never minding the fact that the effects of these vaccines are highly questionable and the flu vaccine still contains mercury—one of the most toxic substances on the planet.

Another State “Undecided” (but shouldn’t be) on Marijuana Legalization – Here’s the Scoop

Elizabeth Renter

Three states—Colorado, Washington, and Oregon—have the potential to change history in a few weeks as the first states to legalize recreational marijuana use. And while Washington and Colorado are seeing overwhelming support for their measures (57% and 51% respectively), Oregon voters aren’t so sure.

As late as last month, 40% were opposed to legalization, 40% were in support, and a game-changing 20% were undecided. So, why are Oregon voters undecided and what makes this bill different from the other two states?

Mercury Levels in Tuna ‘Higher than Ever’ – Limit Consumption to Reduce Mercury Exposure, Poisoning

Elizabeth Renter

While the FDA claims you can have as much as 12 ounces a week of light tuna and up to 6 ounces of albacore, test results from the Mercury Policy Project (MPP) say these amounts are much too high. Mercury exposure through tuna, the MPP reports, is higher than ever, and kids especially should only be eating the fish on an occasional or even rare basis. 

Mercury in Tuna – An Ongoing Issue 

According to Medical News Today, the Mercury Policy Project has suggested children under 55 pounds should only have light tuna once per month and should never have albacore tuna. Children over this weight can have light tuna up to twice per month, though less is ideal. The exposure to mercury for children should be of even more concern for pregnant mothers, who can transfer the exposure to their unborn child. This could result in numerous negative effects, with recent research showing that ADHD could be a result of the mother’s mercury levels. 

Over the Counter Painkillers can Increase Risk of 2nd Heart Attack, Death

Elizabeth Renter

Many people pop over the counter painkillers like they are candy, taking them every 6 to 12 hours as the bottle states. Rather than treating their pain on the front-end, they’ve come to rely on these easily available and extremely cheap medicines to take of the pain on the back-end. But researchers are always finding reasons why these pills should be pitched—and they’ve recently added another to the list.

According to the study, published in the journal Circulation, people who have suffered a previous heart attack should use medications including ibuprofen and naproxen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) very cautiously and “only in consultation with your doctor.” This is because the OTC medications can dramatically increase the risk of a subsequent heart attack and increase the chance of death.

In the first year after the heart attack, 20 percent of NSAID users died, versus about 12 percent of non-users. -MSNBC

What are Probiotics: Something Everyone Needs to Know

Elizabeth Renter

For one reason or another, bacteria tend to be down-talked. They are living organisms—some cause illness, sure, but some are very useful and even essential. What we commonly hear referred to as “good bacteria” are those probiotics. You may have seen on the side of a yogurt container that it contains “live and active cultures”. If so, they are referring to the presence of live, good bacteria. So, why would you want to ingest bacteria? What are probiotics, really?

What are Probiotics

At any given time you have hundreds of bacteria living inside you. There are good ones and bad ones—but in a healthy body, most are “good”. In the digestive system alone, there are more than 100 trillion microorganisms working together to aid digestion, promote nutrient absorption, and keep your immune system functioning optimally. Knowing this information alone can help you realize how crucial it is to maintain these good bacteria for proper gut health.

The most common probiotics we see are:

Brain Foods: 5 Natural Cognition and Brain Boosters

Elizabeth Renter

It’s quite simple – you can eat foods that nurture health, or you can eat foods that create disease. Similarly, you can eat brain foods that boost your brain power, or you can eat those that quite literally dumb you down.

So, which came first—the intelligence or the healthy diet? While we can’t be certain, there is definitely a link between food choices and brain function. The better you eat, the sharper your focus. The more sugars and processed foods you consume, the cloudier your concentration becomes. So, here are some brain foods to help you get your thinking on track and boost cognitive performance.

1. Brain Foods – Walnuts

It’s no coincidence that these nuts resemble the brain in appearance—they are an excellent source of brain-boosting antioxidants – more than other nuts. One study reveals they have a dramatic impact on the brain’s ability to process information and come to conclusions (interferential reasoning). Other studies have shown that a diet including more than 2% walnuts was able to reverse brain aging, including age related motor and cognitive defects.

And the other health benefits of walnuts are some you will not want to miss.

4 Extremely Simple Ways to Destress Quickly

Elizabeth Renter

Stress is a killer, literally. Not only does it kill your mood and your outlook, it can significantly suppress your immune system and help, ultimately paving way for a sooner death. Not only that, but stress is a contributor to heart disease and many other lifestyle diseases. Effectively managing stress is a learned practice, but anyone can learn of ways to destress anytime.

We’ve all seen those people who don’t seem to have any care in the world as the world crumbles around them. Those that can go through a hectic week without breaking a sweat. Those people are who we should all strive to model. Not only are they happier—but they should be healthier!

Here are some tips on how you can get started on your own stress-free longevity plan:

What is a Detox Bath and How do You take One?

Elizabeth Renter

For centuries people have used baths for much more than just getting clean. The bath is a great place to relax, meditate, and even improve your health. The practice of hydrotherapy is the use of water in the prevention of illness and disease, detoxification, and a general health booster. But, before you go buy that blue box of chemical crystals to color and scent your bath water, here is a better idea – take a detox bath.

Why Take a Detox Bath?

A detox bath is something you can create at home with ingredients you probably already have. Unlike commercial bubble baths, oils, and salts, this isn't just designed to make your skin soft and smell good—it’s made to actually help rid the body of toxins, alleviate pain, improve tissue health, and help you relax.

Does 100% Natural Mean GMO-Free? Natural Regulators Side with Monsanto

Elizabeth Renter

When you purchase shampoo or cosmetics and it has a sticker on it that claims it is “natural”, what’s your impression? You think the ingredients are all-natural, right? Naturally, you are not alone.

However, the agency who is in charge of certifying personal care items as “natural” seems to think GMO ingredients fit under this umbrella. No matter what product it is, 100% natural does NOT also mean GMO-free.

The Question of 100% Natural

The Natural Products Association (NPA) claims its role in regards to personal care items is to help consumers choose those products that contain only safe and natural ingredients. They say their job is “to protect and equip consumers to maximize their well being.” As a result, they developed a set of guidelines and a certification process for personal care creators. The “essence” of their labeling process is that the product must contain only 100% natural ingredients, be safe and free of ingredients with any suspected human health risk, be free from animal testing, and be packaged in environmentally friendly materials.

10% of U.S. Teens Have Liver Disease…Why?

Elizabeth Renter

Did you know about 10% of teenagers have liver disease? The figure would be unbelievable if it wasn’t substantiated with solid science. But, it’s true—an estimated one-in-ten teens in the United States has nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD; this according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

The NHANES looked at over 10,300 teens between the ages of 12 and 18 from 1998 to 2008, and found that 9.9% suffer from the disease commonly only thought of as an adult disease, and a rare one at that.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has always been associated with obesity, and as we see a growing number of kids who are obese, it would make sense that we would see a growing number with liver disease. But, scientist Marilyn Vos, of Emery University, says the NHANES found incidents of NAFLD among teens to actually be growing faster than teen obesity rates. This is truly cause for alarm.

The Cause of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

Fighting Cancer: Another Study Reveals the Cannabis and Cancer Link

Elizabeth Renter

Does marijuana cause cancer? Revealing the link between cannabis and cancer yet again, researchers with the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco have released findings that further bolster cannabis as an anti-cancer solution. The researchers have found a compound in the much-talked-about plant could “halt the spread” of many types of aggressive cancers, including breast cancer.

The Cannabis and Cancer Link

Cannabidiol is the compound, and while it fights cancer cells, it does not produce the high feelings commonly associated with cannabis. Instead, it seems to “switch off” the gene responsible for metastasizing breast cancer.

They reportedly found the compound doesn't only stop the breast cancer cells from growing, but even causes them to return back to normal cells, cancer-free.

Positive Attitude = More Control Over Your Life, Better Health

Elizabeth Renter

For some of us, recent research from the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research will be no surprise. Researchers there have found that people who have a generally positive mental attitude and outlook on life are more likely to live a healthier lifestyle. If you’re happy, you’re healthy, say their findings.

The Power of a Positive Mental Attitude

The research was published in the Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series (pdf) and examined the outlooks and lifestyles of more than 7,000 people in Australia.

“Our research shows a direct link between the type of personality a person has and a healthy lifestyle,” says study author Deborah Cobb-Clark.

4 Ancient Superfoods and their Timeless Benefits

Elizabeth Renter

Though the term “super food” has only been in circulation in recent years, the idea of super-nutritious and life giving foods have been around since the beginning of time. As a matter of fact, it’s likely that ancient man had a far better idea of what true superfoods are than what we gather as we wade through aisles of cans and boxes, seeking out those things that are in their most natural forms. Still, today anyone can compile a hefty superfoods list for the next shopping day.

Ancient Superfoods for Your Superfoods List

There are foods that have been around for centuries, even millennia. And many of these foods are just as good now as they were then. So which foods should be on your superfoods list? Here are some timeless superfoods that you should include in your diet today:

GMO Technology, Glyphosate Toxicity Leaving Men Sterile

Elizabeth Renter

What if the pesticides and herbicides being sprayed on your food was causing your sperm to die? What if GMO crops had the same effect? What would it mean for humanity if this “modern food marvel” (as Monsanto would like you to think) was actually making men infertile, and eventually wipe us out?

Sounds pretty end-of-times-ish, but it’s happening right now. Well, studies indicate that factors like glyphosate toxicity and GMO technologies could be playing a significant role in the growing number of men who struggle with fertility.

Glyphosate Toxicity and GMO Technology

One study in particular found that glyphosate (an ingredient in Roundup), leaves a residue on crops and this residue is “actually toxic to testicle cells.” Also, the residue lowers testosterone synthesis—this means the glyphosate toxicity lowers the amount of the male sex hormone available for the body to use.

How to Increase Dopamine Levels: Foods to Eat and What to do to Feel Good

Elizabeth Renter

Dopamine is the brain’s feel good chemical, sending feelings of well-being and pleasure into your body. In addition to simply making you feel good, dopamine helps control weight, energy levels, and supports brain and heart health. Without it, we would be more fat, unhappy, and tired.

But if you know how to increase dopamine levels, you can take advantage of this feel good chemical on command. The best part? You can increase dopamine levels just by eating certain foods.

Fat, unhappy, and tired—those words seem to fit many Americans quite well. Fortunately, boosting dopamine production levels could help. The right amount of dopamine could lift you from depression, help you lose weight, and put some life back into your life.

How to Increase Dopamine Levels Through Foods and Activity