Health Blog | I Give You Health

Article by John Smith

As with many health supplements, digestive health supplements have their fair share of myths and misconceptions. Ranging from the perhaps understandable to the downright silly, here are a few digestive health supplement myths, busted.

You Can Eat Whatever You Want

This is perhaps the most common myth accompanying digestive health supplements. Many people forget that digestive supplements are intended to do just that — supplement. Taking a digestive health supplement and then going on to eat an unhealthy diet is going to totally scotch the any positive effects that your digestive supplement might have had. Although you don’t have to eat a completely healthy diet, eating reasonably is a must for digestive health, with or without a digestive supplement.

If It Doesn’t Work, You’re Too Late

Many people lose hope when a digestive health supplement doesn’t end up giving them the results they are looking for. They begin to fear that their digestive system is so far gone that nothing can help it, and they should simply give up on digestive supplements altogether. This is such an unfortunate misunderstanding, since there are tons of reasons why a digestive health supplement might not give you the results you want, ranging from an incompatibility with your body chemistry to that simply being the wrong supplement for your problem. If a digestive health supplement is not working, by all means, stop taking it — but get another one.

It’s Too Late to Start

Those who have suffered from digestive health problems throughout their life may think that it’s too late for a digestive health supplement to do anything for their health. The same applies for people who have consistently eaten poorly. They feel that even the most powerful digestive supplement couldn’t undo the years of illness or abuse their body has taken. However, even people who have had bad digestion for years, whether due to illness or poor diet, have seen great results from digestive supplements. Though a digestive health supplement is not a panacea, almost anyone can see noticeable results from the correct digestive supplement, despite a long history of poor digestion and diet.

Digestive Supplements Work Immediately

This misconception stems from the over-enthusiastic commercials that promise instant results. Digestive supplements take time to build up and take effect in your body, like any medication. Likewise, digestive supplements often make small, gradual changes that build up dramatically over time, making it easy to miss the little changes as they occur, and forget how you felt in the beginning. This is one reason why it’s a good idea to keep a journal of your supplement experience, to remind you how far you’ve come, or to see if a supplement is even working for you.

Though many of these misconceptions fold easily under a little common sense, you’d be surprised at how many people still believe in them, even only half-consciously. Though it’s tempting to succumb to one of these common myths about digestive health supplements, keeping your head when choosing and using digestive supplements is what gets you the long-term results.

About the Author

Intact Nutrition is a leading online retailer of digestive health supplements. Visit our web site to learn more about digestive health supplements and buy them online.

Article by Alex White

Cancer is a lethal disease but it does not give any signs of being in your body unless it reaches an advanced stage and then it might be too late to cure it. In this article we will discuss some facts and bust some myths related to cancer.

What is Cancer?

When the normal cells in the body start growing in an abnormal pattern, we call it cancer. Cancer cells multiply abnormally and form a tumor. There might also be other lump like growths in the body which are totally harmless. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can grow and spread to other parts of the body, even jeopardizing the vital body systems.

Is Cancer Contagious?

Cancer is not caused by a germ or virus or bacteria. So it cannot be transmitted from one person to another by touch or physical proximity. But some people have a higher risk of developing cancer. Some cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer are genetic and have identifiable genetic markers. So you need to be very cautious if there have been cases of cancer in your family members who are related by blood.

Is Cancer a Blood Disease?

Cancer cells travel to other parts of the body through the blood system but cancer is not a blood disease. Some tissues which form the blood cells might get affected by cancer.

Is Cancer a Single Disease?

All malignant tumors are cancer. Cancer can be of more than a hundred types and all tumors are different in appearance and respond differently to treatment.

What are The Symptoms of Cancer?

There are no precise symptoms of cancer and this is the reason why it is very difficult to determine if you have the disease. When in initial stages, the signs are the same as a number of non cancerous health problems. The best way to be safe is to have regular checkups. Routine checkups are recommended especially if you have cancer running in the family. If you notice any lump in any part of the body, a biopsy must be done to rule out cancer.

What Causes Cancer?

There may not be a definite cause of cancer, but there are certain triggers. Carcinogens are substances that increase your chances of getting cancer and these include tobacco, arsenic, asbestos and UV rays.

Is Food Related to Cancer?

Food cannot be connected to cancer, either to cause or cure it, though red meat and heavy fried food are linked to cancer without much evidence. Cabbage and green vegetables are said to help fight some types of cancer.

Is Cancer Incurable?

Cancer can be cured completely if it is detected in early stages. The only way to be safe is to exercise caution. Surgery, chemotherapy and hormone therapy are all successful treatments for cancer, depending on how early it is detected and what type of cancer it is.

Can Cancer Come Back?

Even when a person is completely cured of cancer, there exists a possibility that it might return. Cancerous tumors might form at the same place or in any other part of the body. So even if you have been cured of cancer completely, you still need annual check ups.

About the Author

Alex White is a free lance writer and a health & fitness expert who has been associated with several health care providers across various specialties. Through his articles, Alex wishes to inform and educate public about cancer specialists which will benefit those who are looking for resourceful information regarding health.

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Article by Jeffrey Carpenter

Diets dieting is usually inspired by someone who wants to lose weight. The problem though is sometimes these ideas can form into bad habits that can be dangerous for the body. One example of this would be crash diets. This is where you would go through an extreme change in caloric intake to try to make your body lose weight quickly.

What actually happens is that your body begins to starve and literally freaks out. Instead of digesting food like it should, it takes everything you eat and converts it into fat. The body

Article by Monica Davidson

Coronary heart disease is the greatest single cause of death in Australia. Given its widespread nature, an astounding number of myths exist about the disease. Here are the facts.What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is an aspect of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which also includes stroke and blood vessel ailments. It accounts for around 38% of all deaths each year. Heart disease outcomes include heart attacks.Your doctor can help you measure if you are at risk of heart disease. Certain risk factors are:* Being aged over 65;* Smoking;* High blood pressure and cholesterol levels;* Diabetes;* A family history of Cardio Vascular Disease.However, there are still many unknowns. A person with no risk factors can develop the disease, while a less healthy person might live a long life.The National Heart Foundation’s website is a great source of information about reducing the risks.

A Range of MythsMyth #1: Heart Disease only affects Men

Heart disease is the biggest killer of women in Australia. Four times the number of women die of heart disease than breast cancer each year.* It is thought that the hormone oestrogen acts to protect the heart. After menopause oestrogen levels drop, therefore increasing the risk of heart problems.* Consequently, women tend to develop the disease much later than men, up to ten years or more, often with more serious consequences.Many women ignore the possibility of heart disease, even if they demonstrate risk factors.* Ongoing studies have shown that the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may increase risks of heart disease.* It is vital for post-menopausal women to be regularly checked for signs of heart disease.The Heart Foundation of Australia provides more information on the role of oestrogen in heart disease.Myth #2: Low Fat Diets and Exercise prevent Heart Disease

The US National Institutes of Health monitored 49,000 people over 8 years, and found that those on a high fibre, low fat diet were just as prone to heart disease as people with a more unhealthy diet.* The fats found in lean meat, dairy foods, oily fish, nuts and avocados are good for you.* Even saturated fats help the body to process ‘healthier’ fats.* Trans fats are to be avoided, and are usually found in snack foods like chips.* There is mounting concern that high protein/low carbohydrate diets may also increase the risks of heart disease, as the intake of grains and vegetables is limited.Exercise certainly helps lower cholesterol and increase fitness. Even a small amount of moderate activity each day can improve your mood, lower blood pressure and increase well-being.* However, no matter what shape you’re in, you can still be at risk of heart disease. Even thin people who exercise have heart attacks.Myth #3: Broken Hearts don’t Exist

Many cardiologists believe that our mental and emotional state affect our heart’s well-being. There have been several respected medical studies showing a direct link between a healthy emotional state and a healthy heart.* High stress levels, depression and social isolation may increase your risk of heart disease;* Increasing feelings of connectedness, community, loving and benevolence seem to profoundly reduce the risks.Myth #4: Heart Disease = Death

Heart disease is not a death sentence. It is never too late to quit smoking, start exercising or watch your diet. Even people who’ve had a heart attack can recover quickly, given the correct lifestyle adaptations.* A normal life, including sexual activity, is expected after recovery.* Around 35% of heart attack patients will never have another attack.The Most Dangerous Myth

The idea that a heart attack is easy to recognise is hazardous. Once symptoms become apparent, such as crushing chest pain, it can be too late. Many people with heart disease experience no symptoms at all, or confuse the symptoms with other illnesses.* Chest pain or bad indigestion may be signs that a heart attack is in progress, not on its way.* If you are in any doubt about symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

About the Author

Monica Davidson writes for Australian health insurance provider ahm. For more about leading a healthy lifestyle, health insurance andhealth cover, visit the website.

* First my apologies that Pinnacle Studios screwed up the audio – video sync at the end (7:40). I tried redoing the video three times, but the same out of sync happened each time.* In this video, I deal with another one of the myths that Atkins Diet increases one’s cholesterol level due to its saturated fats. This misconception has been proven false over and over in many different studies. At very least, here is my anecdotal evidence. My Cholesterol (Starting to Now) Total Cholesterol – 198 to 153 LDL Cholesterol – 148 to 95 HDL Cholesterol – 35 to 58 Triglycerides – 135 to 43 What’s Good and Bad? cholesterol.emedtv.com “It is the ratio between the level of HDL-”good” cholesterol and total cholesterol that we need to be concerned about. Therefore, in adults, the HDL-”good” cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio should be higher than 0.24 (just divide your HDL level by your cholesterol). Generally speaking, the higher the ratio, the better (the lower your risk of a heart attack).” Mine – .61 This popular medical belief ignores however that all LDL molecules are not necessarily created equal. “It appears common for people with high triglycerides to have low HDL’s, and these same people also tend to have high levels of clotting factors in their blood stream, which is unhealthy in protecting against heart disease. Therefore, in adults, the triglyceride/HDL-”good” cholesterol ratio should be below 2 (just divide your triglycerides level by your HDL). Or more precisely, the …
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A great deal of misinformation surrounds diabetes and here we look at 7 often quoted diabetes myths:

� Taking insulin can cause hypertension and hardened arteries. Early tests lead to the suggestion that insulin may play a part in triggering processes associated with the development of hardened arteries but this has been proved to be incorrect and there is no evidence that insulin causes either hypertension or hardening of the arteries.

� Diabetes is a contagious condition. There is no truth in this at all. It is believed however that individuals with diabetes have a genetic predisposition for the disease and that it may be set off by such things as viruses and drugs, including antibiotics. It is possible therefore that getting a common illness, or treating such illnesses with antibiotics, may lead to the onset of diabetes.

� Diabetics cannot eat candy or chocolate. There is absolutely no reason why diabetics should not eat candy and chocolate, and indeed cakes and sweet desserts, providing they are consumed in reasonable small quantities and are only one single element of a normal and healthy diet plan.

� People with diabetes are prone to flu and colds. There is absolutely no evidence to show that individuals with diabetes are any more likely than anyone else to catch a cold or flu. Diabetics must however try their best to avoid such illnesses (for example by having an annual flu shot) as illnesses of this nature can interfere with levels of blood sugar, and therefore make managing diabetes that much more difficult.

� Individuals with diabetes have to eat a special diabetic diet. So called ‘Diabetic’ varieties of some foods which are often sold in health food stores are nothing more than a marketing ploy. People with diabetes should merely eat a normal balanced diet which is low in fat and which contains only moderate levels of both salt and sugar.

� Eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes. Despite the fact that the reasons for diabetes are not entirely understood, it is known that excessive sugar consumption is not one of them. This said, consuming excessive sugar could well lead to a person gaining weight, which is certainly a factor in raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is however not the sugar but the increase in weight which you are carrying that may result in diabetes.

� People with diabetes should only eat very small quantities of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates, which are found in a range of foods including beans, bread, cereals, pasta and rice and from which the body gets much of the glucose required for energy, are an important element of our diet, whether we are diabetic or not. Such foods also contain much of our essential fiber intake. The secret for people with diabetes is simply to ensure that carbohydrates are balanced with other food items and that your food portions are kept to a reasonable size.

The list of myths which are associated with diabetes of course goes on and on, but the 7 listed here are undoubtedly the most commonly heard and, before too much longer, will hopefully be put to rest.

Overweight and obese youth are frequently teased, tormented, and victimized because of their weight. Weight-based teasing and stigma (also called ‘weight bias’) can have a detrimental impact on both emotional well-being and physical health. The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University (www.yaleruddcenter.org has released this new video to increase youth awareness about weight bias, and to highlight strategies to help combat this rapidly growing problem for overweight adolescents. This video shows the story of Bene, a girl who is teased and victimized about her weight at school. In response to the daily teasing she confronts, Bene decides to educate her classmates about weight bias by making her own under-cover video to address the stigma that overweight youth encounter. Presented by Rebecca Puhl, PhD, Marlene Schwartz, PhD and Karen Dorsey, MD.

Health Watch: Debunking weight-loss myths
  It’s one of the seasons of the year when people are thinking of losing weight. Whether it’s for a family or class reunion or trips to the beach, finding your own motivation for losing weight is critical. It’s also important not to jeopardize your success by believing the myths and misconceptions about weight loss.  

Read more on Moberly Monitor-Index

What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?

Even with the modern technology and information available today, Type 1 Diabetes causes remain a mystery to the medical world. There is no one certain cause that can be linked to the onset of diabetes. However, there are certain factors that are present among the majority of the people who have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s defense system attacks and destroys its own cells. In Type 1 Diabetes, the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, which is a hormone that is used by the body to convert sugars and carbohydrates into the energy that is needed for your body to maintain its normal function. Once these cells are destroyed, the body does not produce enough insulin to convert the sugars and carbohydrates that are consumed. This can lead to other, life threatening illnesses and diseases.

It is believed that one Type 1 Diabetes cause is genetics. Some people may be genetically inclined to develop the disease and viruses such as Coxsackie, rubella, and mumps can trigger the onset of the disease. The Type 1 Diabetes cause is not the viral infection, however the infection may trigger the symptoms of the disease. In other words, in people who are predisposed to contract diabetes, the disease may lay dormant until triggered by one of the factors that are believed to cause the onset of the symptoms.

What Does Not Cause Type 1 Diabetes

When a disease that is as prevalent in society as Type 1 Diabetes has no known cause, myths become a part of the mystery. Human intelligence demands that we know a definite cause for all diseases and events, and in the absence of something that we can definitively “put our hands on it is human nature to find something in our lives that may cause the disease. Here are some of the myths surrounding Type 1 Diabetes causes:

1. Eating two much sugar causes diabetes this myth is based on the fact that diabetes involves a high content of sugars in your blood. Consuming too much sugar can trigger the onset of some of the symptoms of diabetes, however, the cause of the disease is not the intake of too much sugar.

2. Stress causes diabetes while stress can trigger some of the symptoms of diabetes, stress does not cause the disease.

3. Diabetes can be caught from another person diabetes is not a contagious disease and cannot be transferred from one person to another.

While there are many myths surrounding Type 1 Diabetes causes, there are just as many that involve the management of the disease. It is often believed that people who have been diagnosed with diabetes can never consume foods that contain sugars or starches, however these foods can be consumed within a healthy diet plan. Diet and other factors do not cause diabetes, but are often the triggers that cause the onset of the disease and the symptoms that alert you to the possibility of being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Since one of the prevalent Type 1 Diabetes causes is genetics, there are certain things that a person can do in order to delay or possibly even prevent the onset of the disease. If your family has a history of diabetes, the best way to accomplish this is to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. Starting a healthy diet as early in life as possible not only reduces the risk of the onset of diabetes symptoms, but also can reduce the risk of obesity and the illnesses and complications that are associated with obesity. While eating a healthy diet and maintaining a regular exercise regimen may not guarantee that the disease will remain dormant forever, it will help you to better manage the disease once the symptoms begin and give you a chance to maintain a normal lifestyle. Knowledge and preparation is often the key to success.

Are you serious about weight loss? This article describes weight loss myths and explains the truth about dieting.

Weight Loss Myth #1: Fat loss will come naturally if you follow a low carbohydrate diet.

Truth: The truth is that low carbohydrate fad diets are not effective for long-term weight loss. Cutting back on all carbs helps you lose weight initially and will even help you reach your weight loss goal, but the chances that you maintain the weight loss are slim. Restrictive diets are mentally challenging. What happens is the first time you give in to carbohydrate cravings you want more and try to make up for the time you deprived yourself of them. Furthermore, studies show that the brain needs carbohydrates for proper functioning.

Weight Loss Myth #2: Diet pills are the easy way to lose weight.

Truth: Some diet pills are dangerous to your health. Over-the-counter weight loss products aren’t fully tested or FDA approved. Whether it’s a water pill, a fat blocker or a metabolism enhancer, diet pills pose a health risk and have been known to cause illness and even death. Even diet pills that are approved by the FDA are risky. Products are often pulled from shelves after research show unhealthy side effects. Diet pills may help you lose weight fast; they do not provide lasting weight loss.

Weight Loss Myth #3: The top 10 fad diets are based the latest technology and information for weight loss, making them ideal to lose weight fast.

Truth: Many top 10 fad diets are just worthless weight loss products. They are scams to fool people into making the purchase. They exist only to make money off of unsuspecting overweight individuals. A top 10 fad diet may be based on a portion of a recent study that makes sense from a dieter’s perspective, but they rarely offer the big picture. Just because a book has been published on a particular weight loss topic does not make it the best weight loss plan.

Weight Loss Myth #4: Low-fat diets expedite fat loss. Eating low-fat and fat free foods is a simple plan and healthy way to lose weight.

Truth: Low-fat diets actually slow your metabolism, making it more difficult to lose weight and maintain your weight loss. Low-fat diets also leave you feeling hungry and deprived. The body needs a certain amount of healthy fats for normal functioning. Fat also helps you feel full longer. Switching to fat-free and low-fat products alone will not help you reach your weight loss goals.

Weight Loss Myth #5: Supplements are a safe method for accelerating weight loss.

Truth: Supplements advertise their natural ingredients that aid weight loss. The truth is that 97% of weight loss supplements are completely worthless. Supplements are not regulated and while they may boast all natural ingredients, that doesn’t mean they are healthy for your body.

Avoid Fad diets and Lose Weight the Healthy Way

These myths bring up the questions of why people are encouraged to buy weight loss products that don’t work. Companies that sell top 10 fad diets and run weight loss scams are simply capitalizing on a billion-dollar industry. Obviously, these companies don’t want overweight people to know the truth about healthy, simple plans that work. That would cost them sales.

The healthy way to lose weight is to avoid top 10 fad diets and weight loss scams. The best kept diet plan secrets are simply this: knowing what healthy organic and whole foods to eat and when, regular exercise and having the right mindset. This simple plan is the key to obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight.