Health Issues Related to Non Organic Products

By Clifford H Woods

Many patients ask their physicians if eating organic food, which costs much more, better for them? Are their health problems related to non-organic produce? Not certain, Stamford University physicians went through piles of research to find out. The evidence is not in large number, but still there is evidence that organic products are much healthier because of two major reasons related to pesticides and germ resistant antibiotics. The problems with both are usually most harmful in babies, toddlers, small children, individuals with allergies and the elderly.



Small Exposure to Pesticides They advise that eating organic vegetables and fruits will lower exposure to pesticides, especially in children, but the amounts that have been measured from produce that was both organically and inorganically grown, are still most of the time considered safe. At least, that is what Stamford researchers have reported. The amount of nutrients do prove to be more in foods that are organically grown, but not as much as it was first believed to be.

Non Organic produce has a 30 percent higher risk of containing any detectable levels of pesticides. In two studies, urine testing showed much lower levels of pesticide in those on organic diets. Also, one conclusion suggested that the insecticide in the urine could be due to insecticide used in our homes and might be more to blame than in the food.

But there are some researchers who do suggest that even small exposures to pesticide might be a risk for most children, so it is probably safer for children to eat organic products (vegetables and fruits that are organically grown).

Difference in Problems with Health Needless to say, most physicians at Stamford were very surprised. There are numerous reasons why somebody might select organic foods over conventional foods from the concern for the environment to taste preferences. But with health problems, there only seem to be just the two - more pesticides and problems with antibiotic-germ resistance.

Antibiotic-Resistant Germs The largest problem found is with bacteria that are antibiotic-resistant, which is already a public health concern, since these are the bacteria that are more difficult to treat when a person gets any form of food poisoning and can often lead to death.

Experts have said for a long time that when chemically treated or in non-organic manner, the odds of contamination by bacteria can be a problem and the Stamford study did agree. Often bacteria that is found, for example in pork or chicken, that are grown with chemicals producing non-organic meats, have a 33% higher rate of bacteria with antibiotic resistant to multiple antibiotics, which has been reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine a prestigious medical journal.

Debate over Antibiotics Given to Animals This finding comes in the middle of an already occurring debate over antibiotics being fed to animals not due to sickness, but rather to further fatten them up. Farmers maintain that this is necessary in order to meet the demand for meat that is cheaper.

Advocates for public health say it is a major contributor to the nation’s growing problem with germs that are becoming harder and harder to treat. Between the years 2000 to 2010, there have been 24 outbreaks linked to germs in food that are multi-drug-resistant. The government has begun taking steps to stop the non-medical use of antibiotics on large poultry farms.

Organic Food Markets The business of organic products is currently booming. Approximately 70% of Americans buy food that is organic occasionally and nearly one-quarter say they buy it every week. The reason most of them gave was that they wanted natural food that is better for them and for the environment. But buying organic food can cost you up to 50% more, so it is important that you buy these foods from markets or farmers that have food that is clearly marked organic.

Health wise; with the amount of antibiotics being used in non-organically grown chicken, pork and beef - before you decide which is better it is important to understand that if a child or elderly person gets food poisoning from drug resistant bacteria it can often lead to death. And these types of bacteria are most often found in non-organic food. 
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 Author: Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life.
We Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information with Exceptional Customer Care Service

Managing Diabetes

By Clifford H Woods

Your body needs glucose in order to get energy for cell and tissue function. Without energy, the cells do not function properly and the immune system is compromised. When your blood glucose levels are high, this could lead to Diabetes. The amount of glucose in blood it regulated by insulin. Insulin imbalances in your body cause this condition.

If the body does not synthesize enough of insulin, your cells do not get glucose that is required for energy. Similarly, if the body does not utilize insulin properly, this may lead to elevated levels of blood sugar. It is estimated that 25.8 million people both children and adults in United States suffer from this condition.

This is about 8.3 percent of the population in the country. There are other conditions, which manifest with increased glucose levels in blood. These include kidney problems, vision impairment, and nervous system complications. People with this condition exhibit symptoms like increased thirst, extreme hunger, frequent urination, and unexpected weight loss.

In addition, patients with the diseases may also show signs like fatigue due to low energy levels and impaired cellular function. Blurred vision and mild high blood pressure are other symptoms witnessed in patients with Diabetes type 1 and 2. Medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies are ways in which patients can manage the disease.

Patients are advised to follow their treatment plans keenly and make changes in their lifestyle.

Healthy diet is essential and overweight people should try to lose weight as this can make a significant drop in blood sugar levels. A healthy diet should contain whole grains, vegetable, fruits, and legumes. Patients should limit the amount of saturated fats and use unsaturated fats, which may be obtained from olives, almonds, olive oil, and fatty fish. Exercise is also important when you are managing Diabetes, and the related conditions. Regular exercise prevents the conditions from occurring and for those already suffering the diseases, physical exercises keeps the body strong by enhancing cellular function.

Eating healthy diet not only helps in enhancing body metabolism but also keeps blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

Exercises like aerobics including cycling and dancing and resistant training such as weight lifting could help in regulating blood sugar. When aerobic exercises are combined with resistant training, the effects on reducing blood sugar are high than when only one type of exercise is done.

Obtain an exercise plan:. ask your doctor for advice about what kinds of exercise is for you. Your doctor may want to check the condition of your heart and feet before advising you and then recommend the correct balance of muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise.

Exercise schedule: again ask your doctor about for advice on the best time of day for you to exercise so that your workout routine is coordinated with your meal and medication schedules.


Blood sugar levels: always ask your doctor what blood level sugars are good for you.

Keep a check your blood sugar levels: checking your blood sugar level before you exercise, as well as during and after is very important, especially if you take insulin or medications that lower blood sugar. The warning signs of low blood sugar can include feeling shaky, weak, confused, light-headed, irritable, anxious, tired or hungry.


Drink plenty of water while exercising: dehydration can affect blood sugar levels.


Always have food or your glucose pill with you during exercise: your blood sugar could drop too low and you may need to take a break, eat or take your pill and remember to wear a medical identification bracelet when you're working out. If you take insulin, you may need to adjust your insulin dose before any full on physical activities or wait a few hours to exercise after injecting insulin.

Always ask your doctor about the appropriate changes in your medication.

If a patient uses tobacco, quitting is the best option. Smoking increases the risk of getting other complications like heart attack, nerve damage, and kidney disease. A patient needs to reduce incidents, which could trigger stress. Stress management helps maintain low blood pressure and keeps the body immune system optimal.

Medications should be taken under strict supervision of a doctor.
A patient suffering from diabetes should have regular checkups of the blood glucose levels. This is important because it helps understand how the body is responding to treatment and when to take appropriate actions because of abnormal changes in blood sugar levels. This reduces the advancement of the condition to serious stages.

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Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant LifeWe Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information with Exceptional Customer Care Service.

Calcium and Bone Health

Calcium and Bone Health

By Clifford H Woods

Calcium is a mineral needed for strong teeth and bone health. It is also important in the growth of young adults and children.  The absorption of calcium as well as vitamin D, and the creation of bone reach a peak around twenty years of age.  It begins to decrease from the age of thirty when a process of draining begins.

Good intake of calcium and vitamin D increases bone mass in children and young adults, as well as decreases bone loss and improves bone health among people over 30.

Research has shown that calcium benefits by having slimming effect on the metabolism and could be important as an element of weight loss.  This research has also shown that calcium prevents weight gain by promoting the type of fat that is burned instead of the type that is stored.

Experts advise 3 servings a day as well as decreasing calories in other areas of the diet that will accommodate this increase in daily intake. Milk has also shown added calcium benefits by its antioxidant-rich properties that can prevent some cancers, such as ovarian, colorectal and breast cancer.

However, studies have also shown that extreme doses of calcium might increase the risk of some cancers as well.  This suggests that calcium supplementation is not a way to prevent cancer, but adequate intake of calcium through diet is recommended instead.

There is research suggesting that adequate intake of calcium benefits by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as hypertension.  Although 99 percent of calcium goes to the health of teeth and bones, the remaining 1 percent shows the tendency to play a role in the functioning of muscles and nerve transmission.

Deficiency in calcium can cause problems with the heart as well as high blood pressure, but so can too much calcium; so, expert suggests that the source of calcium for health needs should come from calcium-rich food and not supplementation.

Vitamin D is vital in helping the body use calcium from the diet and research also indicates the benefits of vitamin D in fighting various other health difficulties.  Low levels of vitamin D in blood have been linked with heightened risk of heart diseases and memory issues in older adults, with asthma and cancer in kids.

Research shows that vitamin D plays a part in the prevention and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as high blood pressure.

Natural sources of vitamin D and calcium for bone health also come from the sun, but spending much time in the sun currently is bad for the skin, so vitamin D and calcium benefits are both best received through several natural food sources such as some fish, egg yolks, fish liver oils, grain products and dairy that is fortified.

Experts believe that research is showing that both calcium and vitamin D are important in areas of health.

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Clifford H Woods is the Executive Director of Vibrant Life.
We Provide Great Products, Excellent and Useful Information with Exceptional Customer Care Service.