Lung-Term Effects of 9/11

Ten years after 9/11, the lungs of those at Ground Zero are still in danger. See what supplements are good for lung health.

As the United States commemorates the tenth anniversary of 9/11, memories of the courageous people of New York City come to mind, and at the foremost of them, the firefighters who risked life and limb to save their brothers and countrymen. While many of them died in the line of duty, those who survived have more than the psychological and mental trauma to live with. The exposure to toxic ash and smoke coming from burnt concrete, metals and fiber, and the poisonous gases and chemicals have left them with chronic and debilitating diseases.

Ten years later, these same firefighters are not through the woods yet. Studies have shown that the people who responded to the call of duty and patriotism are now at greater risk of getting medical diseases related to the 9/11 exposure than those who weren’t there. Respiratory ailments topped the list of these diseases, as a result of the dust from Ground Zero. This dust has been found to be carcinogenic and had an alkaline pH balance, making it an irritant to the mucous membranes.

Other respiratory ailments that sprung up from the twin towers’ bombing on that fateful date are asthma - a chronic and fatal disease if not attended to properly - sinusitis, laryngitis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other lower and upper respiratory infection.

There’s no escaping that tragic event on Sept. 11, 2001, but you can certainly do something about protecting your health and that of your loved ones. Prevention remains the number one measure to avoid having asthma, colds or, God forbid, cancer. Taking food supplements that contain vitamins and minerals that are specific to respiratory diseases can support and strengthen the lungs, throat and other parts of the breathing system. They combat the free radicals roaming in the atmosphere that harm the body.

When buying food supplements that cleanse the lungs and bronchioles, it helps to know what you're looking for. These natural and organic medicines combine herbal extracts and Chinese medicine to produce powerful revitalizing effects on breathing organs that have been exposed to the toxins similar to what the 9/11 disaster turned out. Here are some of them:

Ginger
Ginger is an all-season root plant whose medicinal benefits have long been recognized and used by the ancient Chinese, Indians and Greeks. It contains the elements phosphorous, calcium, iron, thiamine, Vitamin C, riboflavin and niacin. It's a popular aid in the treatment for cough, colds and sore throat and provides relief from dry cough. Ginger juice is usually mixed with fenugreek and honey to make a mixture that works as a remedy for respiratory infections.

Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus alleviates the symptoms of flu, nose and chest congestion, colds, asthma, pneumonia and a host of other respiratory problems. Taken internally or inhaled as vapors, eucalyptus is one of the most well known herbal medicines for lung and throat infections.

Peppermint
Peppermint liquefies mucus, aiding the body in expectoration of phlegm. It decongests the nose and chest and promotes easier breathing and relief of wheezes.

Chicory
Chicory is another perennial plant that aids in recovery from asthma, bronchitis and hay fever. Chicory roots are made into powder form and mixed with honey to make a very effective treatment and expectorant.

Turmeric
Since the middle ages Unani and Ayurvedic medicine have used turmeric as a cure for chronic cough and infections of the respiratory problems. When mixed with warm milk, turmeric powder helps in congestion of the nose and provides relief from bronchial asthma.

Mullein
Mullein loosens the mucus from the nose, throat and lungs and eliminates it from the body. It nourishes the respiratory system and boosts its immune powers so that it can counteract the toxins that invade the body.

Celery
A plant known for its use in soups, salads and the main element for ants on a log - celery leaves, stem and roots of celery aid in the management of asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis and pleural effusion.

Habits for the Prevention of Respiratory Illnesses
Stop smoking. The best advice to promote a healthy body, heart and lungs is to stop smoking. The nicotine, tar and other harmful ingredients in cigarettes can cause a variety of lung ailments, especially lung cancer.

Gargle. Gargling with warm saltwater or an antiseptic mouthwash can rid the mouth and throat of bacteria that produce respiratory infections.

Avoid poisonous fumes. If possible, live in a place where there is lots of fresh air. You’ll have happier and healthier children, too.

Eat a healthy diet. Foods rich in the vitamins and minerals that promote and strengthen the immune system keeps you away from all sorts of illnesses. Chicken soup and herbal teas are good remedies for cough, bronchitis and other diseases.

Tragic events with disastrous consequences can ruin your life, if you allow them to. Make sure to provide your body with the best defenses possible to help reduce the likelihood of the conditions named above. The scars of 9/11 may still be tender in our hearts but with the support of Mother Nature's most well known bronchial boosters, the physical toll of those on the front lines can be minimized.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

8 Reasons to Switch to African Black Soap

If your skincare routine is till not producing the results you desire, it may be time to switch soaps. African black soap contains a unique blend of ingredients which can help with many common skin conditions. Keep reading to learn more.

Sometimes, unexpected ingredients can produce the most amazing results. This is certainly the case with African black soap, which is made with a blend of unique ingredients that give this soap it's dark color as well as its benefits. If you have problem skin, we have eight reasons you should try it.

1. Natural Ingredients
They key ingredients in African black soap are palm ash and plantain peel. Dried in the sun, these components are then roasted in clay ovens before being ground and made into soap. This process is what results in a black bar of soap that produces gray foam. Don't worry, it won't leave any residue behind to discolor your shower or towels. Look for a bar with only pure ingredients -- if you can't pronounce it, skip it.

2. Moisturizing
Shea butter or oils like jojoba and olive oil are also added to to the soap to hydrate the skin. These ingredients are emollients, helping the skin hold onto essential moisture for a smooth, plump appearance and less discomfort (tightness, itching, etc.). 

3. Toning
Essential oils and extracts of herbs may be added for additional toning effects as well as a natural scent. The herbs, combined with the palm ash and roasted plantain peel help clarify the complexion, balancing the skin's natural oils, making it an ideal choice for anyone with oily or combination skin.

4. Anti-inflammatory
The calming and balancing ingredients in African black soap make it a perfect treatment for inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. The soap removes dirt and bacteria that can lead to breakouts or inflammation without drying out the skin or irritating it in anyway. Ingredients like salicylic acid can also be added for additional bacteria-fighting benefits.

5. Gentle
Another reason this soap remains so popular it its gentle effect on the skin. Some soaps contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients that strip the skin of its oils and moisture, leaving it dry and irritated and ultimately doing more harm than good. 

6. Vitamins
African black soap is a wonderful source of vitamins A and E, which both support tissue health, thanks to the use of plantains. These antioxidant vitamins protect the skin against future damage from free radicals while also helping repair the skin by supporting collagen production for a smooth, radiant complexion.

7. Versatile
This soap can be used from head to toe as a face wash, body wash and even shampoo. Because it's non-stripping, you don't have to worry about your hair feeling dry or brittle.

8. Empowering
The best African black soap is produced in African countries like Ghana, where it's been made for generations. Make sure to purchase a soap that is fair trade certified, to support the communities it comes from.

More Tips for Great Skin
We recommend using African black soap twice a day. Like any new skincare product, you should test it on a small area and wait 12 hours to make sure no allergic reaction or irritation occurs. In addition to making the switch to African black soap, here are some of our favorite tips for smooth, radiant, healthy skin:

1. Drink lots of water.
2. Avoid harsh products made with ingredients like alcohol that can strip the skin.
3. Don't exfoliate the skin daily to avoid irritation -- aim for one to three times a week.
4. Wear sunscreen all year long.
5. Use a moisturizer after cleansing to keep skin hydrated.
6. Eat foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E.

Shop for African black soap and other skincare products to help you feel your best at eVitamins and save!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Healthy Food Portions 101

One of the keys to weight loss and weight management success is portion control. Knowing how much to eat is just as important as knowing what to eat. Keep reading to learn more.

Sifting through all the weight loss and weight management advice out there, there's no shortage of information on what to eat and what not to eat. Once you've narrowed down the foods to avoid and the foods to stock up on, the next question is, "How much can I eat?" This is where portion control comes in -- master these two things and you have a recipe for success.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2014, the best way to portion your meals to is to decrease the amount of high energy density foods you consume, instead making your meals up of mostly low energy density foods. Now, what is the difference between high energy density and low energy density foods? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the energy density of food is measured in calories per gram (kcal/g). Therefore, foods that are low in calories are low in energy density and vice versa. Some examples of low energy density foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats due to their high water content, abundance of fiber and/or lack of fat. Fried foods, fatty meats, dairy and nuts are considered to be high in energy density.

Eating foods low in energy can help you stay full longer with energy to get you through the day. But that doesn't mean cutting out high density foods forever. When dealing with packaged foods, the first thing to do is read the labels. Make sure to follow serving suggestions to the letter as opposed to "eyeballing it" -- when was the last time this worked when you went for a bowl of ice cream, right? Now for whole foods you'll be preparing or serving yourself either at a restaurant or a family dinner, figuring out the correct amount can be tricky. Most experts recommend making half your plate veggies, 1/3 protein (3 oz) and 1/3 starch (whole grains, bread or fruit). An example of a balanced plate would be 1/3 salad greens with dressing on the side, 1/3 grilled chicken breast and 1/3 quinoa.

Using everyday objects can be a helpful way to determine portion size when you can't measure the food out yourself. Follow these approximations when portioning out common foods, as suggested by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (<-- click for more examples) with the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

1. Grains -- 1 serving of pasta or rice is half a baseball
2. Protein -- 3 oz of meat is the size of a deck of playing cards
3. Dairy -- 1.5 oz of cheese is four stacked dice
4. Produce -- 1 medium piece of fruit or a 1 cup of greens is the size of a baseball

Making sure to measure and count your food is the first step to make sure you only consume the amount of calories you meant to. Here are some supplies we recommend keeping on hand to make controlling portions easier:

• A variety of reusable storage containers (glass, metal or BPA-free plastic)
• Salad plates
• Pinch bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food scale
• A variety of plastic storage bags

Check back tomorrow for more of the latest health news and information. Stay well!

 

 SHARE THIS ARTICLE

What is Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen therapy, or more specifically hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is being touted as an easy way to improve many health conditions. However, it is important for you to first know the facts before determining if you should try it. Keep reading to find out more.

While oxygen is a part of our daily lives and is necessary for us to breathe, it can serve other purposes and benefit our health in different ways. Some people use hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to help improve a variety of health ailments, from wounds that won't heal to decompression sickness to radiation injury. HBOT has been touted as a way to improve various health conditions like headaches and diabetes, and there are even claims that it can benefit your skin and athletic performance. However, it's important to be aware of the facts surrounding the effectiveness of HBOT and its proper, intended uses.

How does it work?

The idea behind HBOT is that breathing nearly-pure, pressurized oxygen boosts the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, which can incite growth of new blood vessels, reduce swelling, fight bacteria and provide other positive effects. This can be beneficial for those with wounds that won't heal, serious infections and other severe medical conditions. 

What is the process?

Oxygen therapy can be administered in multiple ways, but HBOT specifically involves lying in a sealed chamber for a specified amount of time to breathe pressurized, nearly-pure oxygen. In these chambers, your lungs can absorb around three times more oxygen than they would if you were breathing normal-pressure oxygen, according to the FDA. 

What can it help with?

HBOT can benefit those who have experienced certain types of injuries due to radiation, diabetic wounds, skin grafts, burns, severe anemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, COPD and other breathing problems. While these are some of its official uses, people are turning to HBOT for other off-label uses.

Does it really have other uses?

While scientists are currently researching the effectiveness of HBOT on diseases like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, there is no official consensus or FDA approval for its effectiveness regarding the treatment of these conditions. Additionally, the claims that oxygen therapy may help enhance your skin and provide a boost to your athletic performance, along with other superficial benefits, are also unfounded. Until the FDA approves these uses, and more research is conducted, oxygen therapy, particularly HBOT, should not be used for these other purposes.

While oxygen therapy may seem to be a quick and easy fix for a multitude of health problems, it's not proven to be effective at treating conditions other than those specifically approved by the FDA. Staying healthy should be your number one priority, and it's important to make sure you don't jump at the chance to try any seemingly-promising health fix without first knowing the facts. 

Stay healthy, and stock up on all the essentials you need to stay well at eVitamins.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

What You Should Know About Trans Fats

You probably already know that trans fats are bad for your health, but do you know why and what the recent developments are in removing them from foods? Read on to find out more.

While the majority of substances with the word “fat” in them are not so great for you, this is especially true for trans fats. While you're probably already aware that trans fats can be detrimental to your health, now the FDA has decided to remove all partially hydrogenated oils—trans fats—from all foods by 2018. Let's take a look at what trans fats are, why they're bad for you and how to cut them from your diet until they are removed from the food industry.

What Trans Fats Are

Trans fats, or trans fatty acids, are naturally found in meat products in small doses, and they are also added during processing of many foods. Trans fats can give food a longer shelf life and help maintain freshness, and they are created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil. These created forms of trans fats are called partially hydrogenated oils, and they are the specific type of trans fats that the FDA is outlawing. Found in many fried foods and baked goods like pies, pizza, French fries, etc., partially hydrogenated oils are also sometimes used as cooking oil in in fryers because they last longer than other oils and don't have to be changed often. While trans fats can also provide flavoring for foods, in general, the negatives outweigh the positives. 

Dangers

According to a recent study, consuming trans fats may increase the risk of developing memory loss. The specifics of the study indicated that men aged 45 and younger who consumed high amounts of trans fats remembered fewer words during a word recall test than men of the same age who did not consume trans fats. In addition to memory problems, trans fats are well known for raising LDL cholesterol (“bad”) and lowering HDL cholesterol (“good”). High levels of LDL cholesterol and dwindling levels of HDL cholesterol can contribute to heart disease and also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, both contributors to a higher risk of early death.

The FDA's Recent Decision

By June 2018, all foods will be required to have partially hydrogenated oils removed from them, as ordered by the FDA. The FDA determined that partially hydrogenated oils should no longer be considered safe for human consumption due to the role they play in the development of coronary heart disease and deadly heart attacks. While these trans fats will still be around likely for another few years, there are steps you can take now to cut back on them. According to the CDC, the most common sources of these trans fats are fried foods, cakes, cookies, frozen pizza and more; therefore, by reducing your intake of these foods you will also be cutting back on partially hydrogenated oils. It's critical to check out nutritional labels to be sure of the exact contents of a food item. Another tip the American Heart Association recommends is to replace the trans fats in your diet with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats. 

While long overdue, the decision to officially deem trans fats unsafe for human consumption and to ban them from the food industry is a good step in promoting better health and nutrition for the general population. Until the time comes when all partially hydrogenated oils are gone, make sure you take preventative measures to ensure a healthy nutritional intake and overall lifestyle for you and your family. Check out our supply of wellness essentials at eVitamins to help you accomplish that goal and start living healthier now!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Is Bulletproof Coffee Worth Trying?

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Thursday, June 18, 2015

The latest beverage craze is to add butter and MCT oil to your coffee. Is this new trend worth the hype?

What did you stir into your coffee this morning? Milk? Stevia? Some are starting their mornings by adding butter to their cup of joe, also known as "Bulletproof Coffee."

What Makes Coffee 'Bulletproof?'
A cup of Bulletproof Coffee starts out just like any cup of coffee, with a full mug of your favorite brew. Any roast will due. It's what you add to it next that sets it apart. According to founder of Bulletproof Coffee and self-proclaimed "biohacker" Dave Asprey, to make his signature drink, you combine 8 to 12 fl oz of brewed coffee with 1 to 2 tbsp of MCT oil and 1 to 2 tbsp of of unsalted butter produced from the milk of grass-fed cows. Add all three ingredients to a blender and mix for up to 30 seconds. The drink should get foamy, similar in appearance to a latte.

While you most likely recognize two of the three ingredients, you may be scratching your head about what MCT oil is. Produced from coconuts, MCT oil provides medium chain triglycerides, which are a highly digestible fat. That means this fat is easily broken down and absorbed by the body. But, with both MCT oil and butter in the recipe, why would you want to add fat to your coffee? This trend has caught on, drawing celebrity endorsements and becoming the beverage of choice for executives. They say the drink has a rich, delicious taste and texture and they feel better than ever. But how?

Suggested Perks of Buttered Coffee
According to Asprey, this combination is said to give you more energy without a significant crash, boost concentration and promote weight loss. Could it work? Coffee does have a host of known benefits that have been well documented. The caffeine in coffee can make you more alert with greater energy -- that's why it's long been a favorite way to start the day -- and may also speed up the metabolism to promote weight loss. Lastly, coffee is a diuretic, which means it promotes the removal of excess fluid from the body through more frequent urination. MCT oil is also said to increase energy and support weight loss, as demonstrated in a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This light yellow oil has no odor and has long been used to help those unable to absorb fats into the body.

As for the butter, it contains more essential fatty acids, specifically omega-3, than regular butter. Grass-fed butter, or ghee, also provides more vitamins than the butter typically found on supermarket shelves, and it's this ingredient that started it all. The idea for Bulletproof Coffee started with a cup of tea enriched with yak butter Asprey consumed on a hiking expedition in Tibet.

Best Practices
More research will need to be done on these ingredients independently and together to determine the exact ways Bulletproof Coffee impacts the body. Anyone being treated for high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes should speak to their doctor first before trying it. 

But there is one aspect of this practice we wouldn't recommend. Asprey suggests consuming only Bulletproof Coffee for breakfast and nothing else to fully experience how this drink makes you feel and promote weight loss. While drinking coffee on an empty stomach certainly does create a more noticeable effect, it's not a balanced meal, despite the fact it clocks in at 450 calories a serving (many of which are saturated fats). The body needs fat along with protein, carbohydrates and fiber at each meal, especially in the morning to keep you energized and your blood sugar stable. We would recommend sticking to a healthy breakfast like whole-grain toast with almond butter and some fresh fruit in addition for additional vitamins and minerals.

Interested in trying Bulletproof Coffee? Pick up a bottle of MCT oil at eVitamins and let us know what you think!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

5 Possible Benefits of Moringa oleifera

By Rachel Zachar, Contributing Writer on Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Specific parts and extracts of the Moringa oleifera plant may be able to provide some great effects for your health. Keep reading to find out more.

Grown in India and Africa, the Moringa oleifera tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional medicine practices for a variety of health purposes. Its leaves and seeds are consumed as food--a “superfood” at that--and the remaining components of the plant are used for medicine. Moringa is also cultivated in other areas around the world, such as in humid, tropical climates in Central and South America. The leaves of moringa are often crushed and consumed in powder form or applied to the skin, and its extract is also available in capsule form. This herb may be able to provide some great benefits for your health, and here are just a few of the reasons you might want to give it a try: 

1. It provides support from plenty of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. 

Moringa is packed with antioxidants, which work to fight off free radicals while preventing cellular damage and reducing your likelihood of developing certain degenerative diseases. Some of the most significant antioxidants found within moringa supplements include vitamin C and vitamin A. Additionally, moringa contains a large amount of calcium, iron, potassium and protein.

2. It may help reduce inflammation.

Moringa may also pack a powerful punch when it comes to reducing inflammation in your body. Part of the reason why it may promote anti-inflammatory effects may be due to certain components in the extract of the seeds. A study published in 2014 determined that specific compounds in the moringa seed helped reduce inflammation in rats with colitis, a disease affecting the colon. 

3. It may help lower cholesterol.

A 2008 study on hypercholesterol-fed rabbits illustrates that Moringa oleifera leaf extract was able to lower cholesterol levels and reduce plaque formation in the arteries. Similar effects may carry over into humans, but more research is necessary before coming to a conclusion.

4. It provides antibacterial effects.

Moringa contains natural antibacterial properties and may be effective at fighting certain types of bacteria. Some people apply moringa to the skin, and it may help with minor skin infections. 

5. It may benefit those with asthma.

According to an early study, taking a moringa supplement for a specified period of time was able to reduce symptoms of asthma in adults. It might also help reduce the intensity of asthma attacks as well. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the actual effectiveness of this use.

While moringa may be able to help enhance your health in myriad ways, it's important to recognize that most of these studies are inconclusive and there still needs to be more research conducted. However, taking moringa for a basic nutrient boost may be beneficial. Make sure you talk to your doctor before trying any supplements, including this one, and do not try moringa if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Check out some of our moringa supplements at eVitamins and have a great day! 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE