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INFLAMMATION Page Content: Chronic inflammation and risk factors Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Coping with chronic inflammation - Keto Diet Vitamin D for inflammation Oregano oil to combat inflammation Oregano Oil Oral Intake Practice Cinnamon oil for chronic inflammation INFECTIONS - Viral infection and why use Oregano oil Oxidative str ess (free radicals) and why oregano oil Fungus infection and why Oregano oil Bacterial infection and why Oregano oil Chronic inflammation and risk factors CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AND RISK FACTORS How does systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) - impact the body ? There are multi-level mechanisms underlying SCI and several RISK FACTORS that promote this health-damaging phenotype, including infections, physical inactivity, poor diet, environmental and industrial toxicants and psychological stress. First and foremost, try to reduce (preferably - eliminate) these risk factors! (REF) Chronic inflammation can start damaging healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Over time, this can lead to damage of healthy tissues and organs, contributing to the development of various diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain cancers damage, tissue death, and internal scarring. One of the most important medical discoveries of the past two decades has been that the immune system and inflammatory processes are involved in not just a few select disorders, but a wide variety of mental and physical health problems that dominate present-day morbidity and mortality worldwide. "Indeed, chronic inflammatory diseases have been recognized as the most significant cause of death in the world today, with more than 50% of all deaths being attributable to inflammation-related diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and autoimmune and neurodegenerative conditions". Chronic inflammation could also be related to a number of “age related” conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cognitive decline and dementia. “The importance of chronic low-grade inflammation in the pathology of numerous age-related chronic conditions is now clear”. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused by an imbalance between production and accumulation of oxygen reactive species (ROS) in cells and tissues and the ability of a biological system to detoxify these reactive products.Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely related pathophysiological processes, one of which can be easily induced by another. Oxidative Stress Reduction: The modern lifestyle associated with processed food, exposure to a wide range of chemicals and lack of exercise plays an important role in oxidative stress induction. Use of medicinal plants with antioxidant properties has been exploited for their ability to treat or prevent several human pathologies in which oxidative stress seems to be one of the causes.[REF1 ] Earthing - Earthing, or grounding, has been studied for its potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation by neutralizing free radicals through the transfer of electrons from the Earth's surface to the body. Direct contact with the Earth via stepping on wet ground/grass , (even hugging a tree), or using a grounding mat, allows the body to absorb negatively charged electrons, which act as natural antioxidants. These electrons neutralize positively charged free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, a mechanism similar to consuming antioxidant-rich foods. [REF2 ] Read more here on AGE RELATED CHRONIC INFLAMMATION Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Coping with chronic inflammation - Keto Diet COOPING WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATION - Keto (ketogenic) Diet First and foremost , start the keto diet, take care of your microbiome, and exercise (Read more on this page ). Note, there is a "UNANIMOUS" AGREEMENT among practitioners and "experts" that diet is the underlying cause for chronic inflammation, and therefore a diet change is the first and most important element in the recovery process. Give up smoking, keep healthy weight and exercise and your health restoration will follow! 5.0 3 Ratings average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 3 votes, Ratings Reviews Vitamin D for inflammation Vitamin D for Inflammation Read what this 2020 study has to say about the importance of vitamin D to fight inflammation: "Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone development. However, recent studies are beginning to uncover its role as a modulator of the immune system (1 ). Several reports have shown associations between vitamin D deficiency (2 ) and the incidence as well as the severity of chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease (3 , 4 ), inflammatory bowel disease (5 ), asthma (6 ), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (7 ). Consistent with this, vitamin D supplementations have been shown to reduce the severity of and inflammation markers in chronic inflammatory diseases (8 )". This study claims that "Beyond its critical function in calcium homeostasis, vitamin D has recently been found to play an important role in the modulation of the immune/inflammation system via regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the proliferation of proinflammatory cells, both of which are crucial for the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases". Notice: The dose is always crucial and the vitamin D is no exception. Listen to what Dr. Berg , a highly respected professional recommends - 10,000 IU and above daily oral dose (min. 2:19 How much vitamin D is enough?). This is another video produced by Dr. Berg, reviewing the link between vitamin D and many chronic inflammatory conditions. 5.0 2 Ratings average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 2 votes, Ratings Reviews Oregano oil to combat inflammation Oregano oil to combat inflammation Numerous studies demonstrated the effectiveness of oregano oil in combating a wide range of diseases. This 2015 study "Supplemental carvacrol can reduce the severity of inflammation by influencing the production of mediators of inflammation", presents the effectiveness of oregano oil's - carvacrol (its main "component") in inflammation mediation, in addition to the other well established oregano oil benefits that are elaborated on this page Oregano oil effectiveness to combat inflammation Many scientific studies corroborate the effectiveness of Oregano oil in combating inflammation; be it low-grade inflammation, or other types of chronic body inflammatory processes. Included below are links to a few of these studies: Diabetes Mellitus: This study reviewed the results of a long list of surveys emphasizing the therapeutic effects of carvacrol on diabetes mellitus (type 2). The study concludes : "it is obvious that carvacrol have beneficial properties in the investigated pathologies, as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies". Antidiabetic and cancer suppressor agents: Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties Articular cartilage degeneration: Carvacrol ameliorates inflammatory response in interleukin 1β-stimulated human chondrocytes, Cancer: Anti-inflammatory, tissue remodelling, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities of oregano , In conclusion, OREGANO OIL, is a good anti inflammatory “agent”. Oregano Oil Oral Intake Practice to cope with inflammations: Make sure that the oil that you use is PURE, organic, wild oregano oil with no less than 70% carvacrol (not "standardized" - added artificially), collected from high mountain regions. Mix the oil with high quality organic, cold pressed, virgin olive oil at a ratio of 1:3 (one part of oregano oil to three parts of olive oil). Get ready with coconut oil to soften the stinging effect. Take the oil mixture on an empty stomach, try at least 30 min before meal. Rub a little bit of the coconut oil to your leaps (to avoid the stinging of the oregano oil), Follow the oil intake immoderately by swallowing a teaspoon of the coconut oil and some warm water, if you still feel the need for it. Dosage: Adults and children over 12 years: Days 1 to 3: Take 10-15 drops (body weight dependent: below 120 lb - 10, above 15) 2 times daily on empty stomach, Days 4 to 10: Take 10-15 drops one time daily on empty stomach. Avoid carbohydrates as long as the infection is still in progress. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Cinnamon oil for chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases This article brings a broad review of cinnamon benefits in combating chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseased and concludes:"Cinnamon, a natural herb commonly used to spice up the delicacy of different cuisine, has a long track record of human use without any toxic incidence. It can be taken orally, the least painful route, and after oral intake, it is metabolized into NaB (Sodium Benzoate) , the active compound and the FDA-approved drug for UCD (Urea Cycle Disorders) and NKH (nonketotic hyperglycinemia). Similar to cinnamon, NaB can be also taken through food and drinking water or milk. Since cinnamon and its metabolite NaB upregulate anti-autoimmune Tregs and Th2, suppress autoimmune Th17 and Th1, inhibit inflammatory infiltration, and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, cinnamon and NaB may have therapeutic importance in different autoimmune disorders (Fig. 1 ). Cinnamon oil for chronic inflammation Practice Use 1-3 drops of ceylon cinnamon bark oil per 1/2-1 tablespoon of coconut or olive oil For daily oral intake, once or twice a day. (read on this page more on cinnamon oil). Oregano Oil Oral Intake Practice 1.5 2 Ratings average rating is 1.5 out of 5, based on 2 votes, Ratings Reviews Cinnamon oil for chronic inflammation 3.0 2 Ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 2 votes, Ratings Reviews INFECTIONS - Viral infection and why use Oregano oil Oxidative stress (free radicals) and why oregano oil INFECTIONS Viral infections: Common infections such as, flu, sore throat, sinus, skin conditions like genital herpes, and numerous others are infections mostly associated and caused by viral pathogens . Obviously, some of these infections should be treated by ingestion and some (most of the skin types) by topical application. Antiviral oregano oil properties: This 2020 study - "Antiviral Effects of Plant-Derived Essential Oils and Their Components: An Updated Review" concludes: "The oregano EO and its primary component carvacrol were able to strongly inhibit human rotavirus and murine norovirus [21 ,33 ]". Additionally, This study - "Antiviral activity of the Lippia graveolens (Mexican oregano) essential oil and its main compound carvacrol against human and animal viruses" concludes: "Nevertheless, independently of the mechanisms of action, the activity of carvacrol on rotavirus is very promising". Antiviral infection by antioxidant activity Antioxidant enzymes (produced by our body and "external sources") are capable of stabilising, or deactivating free radicals before they attack cellular components. As long as there is sufficient digestion of enzymes through the daily diet, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase are the key enzymatic antioxidants of this defence system by which the free radicals that are produced during metabolic reactions are removed . As long as there is no health condition that involves pathogens that make use of these free radicals before they are removed by the enzymes, there is sort of a balanced level of these molecules. Oxidative Stress - Free-radical induced pathogenicity in virus infections . (pathogenicity - the quality or state of being pathogenic ). There are many evidences to suggest that nitrogen oxide (NO) and oxygen radicals such as superoxide are key molecules in the pathogenesis (Pathogenesis - the process by which a viral disease or disorder develops) of various infectious diseases . Antioxidants fight viruses by removing free radicals : Antioxidants are elements that lessen or prevent the effects of free radicals. They donate an electron to free radicals, thereby reducing their reactivity. What makes antioxidants unique is that they can donate an electron without becoming reactive free radicals themselves. Oregano oil antioxidant properties: There are many studies to evaluate the effectiveness of various PLANT DERIVED antioxidants to combat viral infections. Most (if not all) point to THYME AND OREGANO OILS (steam extracted) as the most effective. Th is study concludes: “... the OEO (Oregano Essential Oil) has antioxidant properties effective in retarding the process of lipid peroxidation in fatty foods, and scavenging free radicals". This study "Evaluation of the Antioxidant Properties of Carvacrol (the dominant oregano oil "active" element) as a Prospective Replacement for Crude Essential Oils" concludes: "The in vitro studies revealed that the monoterpenoid antioxidant compound carvacrol exhibits an appreciable antioxidant capacity compared to the seed essential oil". In conclusion, many studied have proved that high quality oregano oil with high carvacrol content, is a powerful antioxidant oil! Fungal infections: In this study , forty-six out of 289 psoriatic (psoriasis) patients had fungal infections (15.9%). Dermatophytes (54.3%), Candida spp. (19.5%), Malassezia spp. (15.2%), Aspergillus spp. (6.5%), and Fusarium spp. (4.3%) were the causative agents of fungal infections. Fungal acne (there is also bacterial related acne), candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast , various types of skin rashes (athlete foot, ringworm of the body, Jock itch…), forty-six out of 289 psoriatic (psoriasis) patients had fungal infections (15.9%). Dermatophytes (54.3%), Candida spp. (19.5%), Malassezia spp. (15.2%), Aspergillus spp. (6.5%), and Fusarium spp. (4.3%) were the causative agents of fungal infections. Fungal acne (there is also bacterial related acne), candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast , various types of skin rashes (athlete foot, ringworm of the body, Jock itch…), Antifungal oregano oil properties: This study found , that carvacrol which is the main active ingredient in Oregano Oil (~20% - 75% ) “...shows strong antifungal activity (more studies that coraborate this conclusion), It is possible that carvacrol is capable to bind to the sterols of the fungal membrane, a fact that results in damage and, consequently, death of the fungus ”. Bacterial infections: Earache (could also be the result of a pathogenic infection ), toothache, bacterial acne, many skin infections as a result of a skin injuries, mouth sores are mostly bacterial related (oral lesions could be caused by a virus), urinary tract infection (UTI) or cystitis , tuberculosis and more. Anti bacterial oregano oil properties: The chart below (Source ) shows the effectiveness of the best herbal plants and their derivatives in assisting our immune system to combat with each of the investigated bacterial groups: Fungus infection and why Oregano oil Bacterial infection and why Oregano oil "The above chart shows the antimicrobial potential of Essential Oils (EO). Results for the agar diffusion assay performed on the six clinical bacterial strains and three environmental bacterial strains are shown. Chloramphenicol (30 μg/disc) was used as a positive control. Each bar of the chart shows the mean of the inhibitory zone obtained for each EO analyzed (1) Staphyloccocus aureus, (2) Listeria monocytogenes, (3) Enterococcus fecalis, (4) Escherichia coli, (5) Salmonella typhimurium, (6) Yersinia enterolitica, (7) Bacillus cereus, (8) Arthrobacter protophormiae, (9) Pseudomonas fragi. Data are represented by means ± 1 SD of 3 independent experiments. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001 indicate statistically significant differences compared to the control (Student’s t-test)."" The OR (Oregano) and TY (Thyme) used in this study were even more effective than the antibiotic chloramphenicol. Our results are in accordance with a previous study showing that the inhibitory halos produced by the EOs of Eugenia caryophyllata, Origanum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris were larger than those produced by ciprofloxacin". IN CONCLUSION OF THE ABOVE DISCUSSION - OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL STEAM EXTRACT FROM WILD ORGANIC PLANTS WITH HIGH CARVACROL CONTENT (above 75%) , IS THE THE BEST COMBATANT FOR THESE THREE - VIRAL, FUNGAL AND BACTERIAL RELATED INFLAMMATIONS. Scientific studies have shown that oregano oil, not only that it is a powerful anti-pathogen, anti-inflammation agent when taken orally or applied topically, but it has no side effects, provided that it is taken/applied diluted with a carrier oil to the right ratio (excluding rare instances of allergic reaction).

Dry eyes is a very common eye condition. Prescribed blinking and relaxation practices in this page, proved to be very effective to resolve this condition. Dry Eyes Page Content: The Problem Symptoms Practices For Dry Eyes Relaxation Practice Castor Oil for Dry Eyes Castor Oil Usage Related Linked Pages: Glasses, Contact Lenses, LASIK Cataract and Eye Floaters Lazy Eye Eye Strain Glaucoma Back To Eyes The Problem In recent years, dry eyes became a very common and worrying phenomena. Dry eyes will worsen as a result of eye dysfunction. Eye "wetness" must be maintained for good eye health and vision. Your tears protect the surface of your eyes from infection. Without adequate tears, you may have an increased risk of eye infection. Damage to the surface of your eyes. If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcer and vision problems. Would you expect an organ without sufficient movement and an organ that strains too much to be balanced? The way we live affects our eyes, the result is that our eyes are in little movement, the existing movement is not continuous and does not include all Movement options (directions of view). Movement wets the eyes! We do not blink enough. Blink activates the glands that are responsible for wetting the eyes! We live in air-conditioned rooms. Air conditioners dry the mucous membranes and eyes! We watch screens and computers for many hours. Effort of close-up vision dries the eyes! We are not in nature and in open areas that allow the eyes to be relaxed. Effort dries the eyes! In addition, the use of eyeglasses allow for clear vision, but prevents the eyes from full movement and also creates a state of slight blinking. Glasses cause dryness in the eyes as a result of the degeneration of free and natural eye movement! SYMPTOMS A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes. Stringy mucus in or around your eyes. Sensitivity to light. Eye redness. A sensation of having something in your eyes. Difficulty wearing contact lenses. Difficulty with night-time driving. Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes. It is unfortunate that conventional medicine has only one way which is eye drops or some surgical treatment. At the end, the treatment is solely for the symptom and not for the problem itself. There are a lot of causes for dry eyes , one of the significant causes is lack of movement in the visual system. Most of us, including children, including infants, including younger, older people, of all ages, suffer from dry eyes as a result of lack of eye movement, as a result of wearing glasses or prolonged staring at screens. Can you pay attention to whether you are blinking or not blinking? The blink is a very, very gentle movement, hardly noticeable. When we focus on a certain thing that is very interesting to us then we completely stop this action, almost completely. We lower the number of blinks, it should be between 15 and 25 times a minute, and we may blink two or three times a minute, we are constantly with our eyes wide open, mind you - no eye movement. Once there is no movement of the eyelid, the glands that are upstairs do not actually wet your eyes, and then you start to suffer from very dehydration of the eyes. And if you wear glasses, the action of blinking is disabled further, or its number decreases significantly. The glasses themselves almost completely stop the blinking action because they provide you with the focus you need, but the effort to focus does not allow the eyes to actually open and close and eye dryness follows. Just like any other joint or any other organ in our body that is in motion, this motion has to be "practiced"! For example the joint of the shoulder, if it is not in motion then it does not get wet and then you start problems of degeneration in the shoulder joint. The same goes for the pelvic joints, if you do not move the pelvic joints - walking for example, then these joints also degenerate and dry out and to the point that we have to replace the joints. Note! prolonged reading, prolonged screen watching, and so forth are all near sight, and the eyes were not developed for near sight, for extended periods of time, and if you force them so, they start to suffer! Eyes start to suffer, you better response by starting to blink! Dry eyes is a problem that could be resolved, with the exercises listed below: Note: Eye drops for dryness are a momentary solution, but in the long run ignoring the eyes creates sickness and suffering of the eyes. Symptoms Practices fo dry eyes The Problem Relaxation practice Practices For Dry Eyes: Blinking should be every three or four seconds. One, two, three, one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four, five, say. Enough, blink every five seconds, but do not blink every 30 seconds or every 20 seconds because then your eyes actually stare. Speaking of movement, our eyes are very fond of a wide movement round, for spaces, for distances, observe in all directions. And once we stare at the screens or if we are with glasses they are actually giving us this service of seeing in our place, that's what glasses do. Playing with a ball provides and allows movement to all distances, to height, to the sides, to all directions. And movement creates life in the eyes and body, lack of movement eventually creates degeneration for eye diseases. Relaxation For Dry Eyes Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Inhale, raise your eyebrows and exhale, narrow your eyes. Start with short and gentle exercises, prolong them over time. Repeat this exercise several times per day. Try this exercise whenever the eyes feel dry. For an extra help to the eyes, put a wet, towel in the fridge, and occasionally take the towel and gently leave the wet towel for 10, 15 or 20 seconds on the eyes. It will lower your swelling, provide fluids at a really high level if you cool your eyes with it. Repetitions should be practiced as prescribed in each of the above sections of "How to apply". 5.0 1 Reviews average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Reviews Reviews Castor Oil For Dry Eyes The use of castor oil for dry eyes is recommended because of its antioxidant and emollient properties and ability to promote circulation. Castor oil is rich in rolic acid a fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific studies demonstrated the effectiveness of castor oil for dry eyes and Blepharitis . Castor Oil Usage Use , castor oil that is organic, 100% pure, cold-pressed, unrefined, hexane-free - no preservatives, fragrances or additives,Premium pharmaceutical (USP - United States Pharmacopeia) grade. Application: Apply 1 drop of castor oil to the inner canthus of each eye nightly at bedtime, with the goal of allowing the oil to work overnight without the temporary side effect of blurred vision. Alternatively, wipe one drop of castor oil over the eyelid. Concurrent support includes contrast hydrotherapy in the form of alternating warm and cool compresses to the eyes, which help increase blood flow and further improve nutrient delivery and waste removal. Castor Oil for Dry Eyes 5.0 1 Reviews average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Reviews Reviews Castor Oil Usage

WATER HEALTH Page Content: The Need For Home Water Purification TDS - RO Water Purity Measure RO Systems Filtration Structure Mechanism RO System Selection Tank Or Tankless RO System Tankless RO Systems RO System Selection Criteria Above 95% “Stable Rejection Rate" GAC and CTO Filter's Composition Pure Water Flow Rate Feed and Pure Water TDS Display Filter Replacement Job Self Cleaning Last Phase Filter Feed Water Low/High Pressure Regulating Valves Waste Water Ratio Phthalates and Bisphenol-A (BPA) Free Last phase filter The Need For Home Water Purification TDS - RO Water Quality Parameter The Need For Home Water Purification These days, in many localities, drinking water quality is lacking because of a host of toxins that are potentially dissolved in them. To avoid these contaminants, such as ALUMINUM, CHROMIUM, MERCURY, LEAD, FLUORIDE, HERBICIDES, PASTESIDES, Disinfectants like chlorine, chloramine, and chlorine dioxide. These are contaminants that are destructive to the functioning of many of our body systems - the endocrine system, vitamins and various important fatty acids, the gut microbiome that is so important to our digestive system and more. Additionally, the municipal water may contain infectious pollutants - bacteria and other types of parasites. People resort to two prime purification methods for the removal of these conatminates - distillation and Reverse Osmosis (RO), with the objective of getting PURE DRINKING WATER! Not only that drinking purified water is better for your skin and helps to prevent aging symptoms, but it could also help you to reduce the risk of having major health issues and protect your family from harmful contaminants . Water distillers and reverse osmosis systems are two methods of water purification. There is no doubt that water distillation would produce reliable clean water “While both methods remove contaminants , distilled water is purer due to the boiling process”. Still, there is one unresolved issue with home distillation devices - post distillation cleaning! Just watch this short video and see what’s left after distilling 1 gallon of tap water (min 0:40), and what it takes to clean it. Furthermore, time and again, you have to refill the distiller. The Reverse Osmosis (RO) alternative requires far lower maintenance, and produces a very good quality of purified water at a very low price, provided that the system selection and maintenance are performed with some basic knowledge of the quality and operational parameters that determine the final results. TDS - RO Water PURITY Measure Total D issolved Solids ( TDS ) Level Asking ChatGPT "what measurement is best for water purity" - it brings TDS at the top of the list. Don't be misled by those who claim "The hard truth is, TDS is not an accurate indication of water quality". " A TDS meter will detect any charged ions in the water, which could include positively charged ions such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium or negatively charged ions such as carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate". Don't be confused between water quality (e.g. water enriched with minerals + alkaline) and water purity !!! TDS is a good measure for water purity ! Distilled water has a TDS of 0.5 ppm or less, so to put it simply, the lower the TDS the better the water purity ! Most people who look for home purification systems are motivated by the need to remove potential water contaminants such as MERCURY, LEAD... HERBICIDES, PESTICIDES... This is the hard part (as explained below) because the size of many of the metallic contaminants is in the range of 0.0001 to 0.001 micron. Removing such particles from the water requires a membrane pore size not larger than 0.0001 micron. As an example, the radius of hydrated lead (lead in a form where it is surrounded by water molecules, note that nano-particles are much larger ) is 0.00401 micron, or 0.00426 of hydrated cadmium. We make reference to hydrated radius because "water molecules bind to ions ", be it cations (like metals) or anions (like fluoride). These larger molecules, facilitate their removal by the membrane. This membrane pore size, makes it also very effective in the removal of pathogens such as Viruses that range in size from about 0.02 – 0.5 microns and bacterial cells that are in the range of 1 to 10 microns in length and from 0.2 to 1 micron in width". Mycoplasma genitalium is considered as the smallest parasite sizing about 0.2 micron. Once you get pure water - it's easy to implement the addition of the desired minerals and some alkalinity, as can be found in most water purification systems, most notably RO ones. bottomline - try to get as pure (low TDS) water as you can from the RO purification phase ("behind" the membrane) and then have them enriched with alkaline and mineralizing filters. If your RO system pure water TDS level starts to rise, without a significant TDS change of the input water, it's a good indication that it's time to replace the "pre-membrane" filters and/or the membrane itself. RO Systems Filtration Structure Mechanism RO Systems Filtration Structure Mechanism RO systems are actually built with two water treatment phases: Phase 1 - Water purification , with a membrane filter as its last element. It is a challenge to Keep membranes with pore size of 0.0001 from getting clogged, and still provide the membrane surface area for a water flow at a reasonable rate. That is why quality RO systems come with "Auto Flash/Self Cleaning" mechanisms ( Read more below ). Phase 2 - Water enrichment, adding alkalinity and mineralization. This phase is easily obtained even with some add-on filters. So, how do we know what is the purity of the RO system if the water produced are enriched with alkalinity and minerals? Simple, we obtains the added TDS value of these filters and subtract it from the TDS reading that we obtain from the system's output water. Here is an example of such increase: " This filter (iSpring FA15) is capable of increasing the pH value of the RO water by 0.5 to 0.8. The Alkaline filter compensates for the lost minerals eliminated in the RO process and restores these minerals back into the pure water. These minerals being restored will slightly increase the TDS value, normally between 10-20 ppm" Note , a search on the web for "RO desired TDS level" would bring a wide range - somewhere between 50 to 300 ppm, saying that " TDS level lower than 50 ppm has no nourishing impact on the human body". Others claim that TDS levels in the 50-150 range, are considered ideal, hinting for the benefits of the minerals left in the water. As we explained above all these recommendations ignore the main reason for the installation of the RO system in the first place - getting clean (pure) water. Having a RO system producing output water with TDS level of 100 could leave a large uncertainty about the toxins and pathogens removal capability of that system. bottomline - try to get as pure (low TDS) water as you can from the RO purification phase ("behind" the membrane) and then have them enriched with alkaline and mineralizing filters. If your RO system pure water TDS level starts to rise, without a significant TDS change of the input water, it's a good indication that it's time to replace the "pre-membrane" filters and/or the membrane itself . RO System Selection Tank Or Tankless RO System Contaminants "creeping" problem RO S ystem Selection To start with, you have to decide if you look for a system with or without a storage tank. Tank or Tankless RO System RO system storage tank is added to regulate the water output flow rate, and eliminates the system's dependency on the system's water input pressure, without the need for a booster pump. The storage tank comes with air pressure of 7 - 8 psi which stabilises the flow of the system's output water. The main issues to be considered regarding a RO system with storage tank option are: It takes space that is not always available in the cabinet below the sink, C ontaminants "creeping" problem . This is a problem with both, a tank or tankless RO systems. This creeping is the diffusion of ions (contaminants) through the membrane into the pure water side of the membrane when the system is idle, balancing the contaminates osmotic pressure "before" and "after" the membrane. Avoiding this problem is simple with a tankless system by letting some "pure" water flow to the sink for 5-10 seconds before starting to fill your cup. Understandably, this option is not available if the water from the membrane flows into the tank and mix with the water stored in it. Another option is to have a system that supports the auto flush feature (Read more below ). If there are some pathogens that somehow got through the water purification phase, be it because of inadequate filters or delayed replacement of the purification filters, and if the water remains for a prolonged period of time (9 - 10 days ) without being "changed", the storage tank may become a breeding ground for those pathogens. A different source claims: " The dirty secret is: the inside of a residential reverse osmosis tank accumulates and breed heterotrophic bacteria over time. Heterotrophic bacteria are microorganisms that use organic carbon as food". The growth rate of these pathogens is a matter of "discussion", as revealed by a search on the web using the keywords "how long does it take bacteria to proliferate in RO storage tank". Still, there is no doubt that pathogen growth is an issue with RO systems storage tanks. Contaminants removal effectiveness of filters and most importantly the membrane filter, depends on the feed water pressure - generally speaking, the higher the pressure the higher the contaminants removal. Most "storage tank" RO systems come without a booster pump which makes the effectiveness of contaminants removal dependent on the feed water supply pressure. That is why most RO storage tank vendors would recommend a booster pump if their system does not include one and the feed water pressure is less than 0.2 MPa (2 bar / 29.01 psi). Tankless RO Systems - These systems include a booster pump that generates the right water pressure for a good functioning of the membrane filter and for "sufficient" water output flow rate - which means that tankless RO systems need a power supply to operate. Also, this booster pump and some additional electrical elements needed for its control, make these RO systems more expensive, compared with RO systems with storage tanks and similar daily water output. Tankless RO Systems RO System Selection Criteria Above 95% “stable rejection rate RO System Selection Criteria Note: As explained above, we consider water purification as RO systems most important feature, therefore, we recommend to consider the first two criteria on the list below as the most important ones. The rest of the criteria are "good to have" but their impact on water purity is indirect. Above 95% "Stable Rejection Rate": Water purification capability of RO system is measured by its “Stable Rejection Rate”. This rate refers to the consistent and reliable percentage of contaminants or impurities that the system can effectively remove from its feed water. So if you have a system that provides a 95% rejection rate and if you have a TDS reading of 500 before the RO membrane, your TDS reading after membrane filtration should be around 25. To validate the rejection rate of your RO system you need to measure both - the system’s pure water TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and the system’s feed water TDS (Pure TDS/Feed TDS X 100). Note : some vendors would rate the rejection rate of their system as “Above 90%...”, or “Up to 99%...” - these are ambiguous ratings. GAC and CTO Filters Composition - it's important that these filters are made from 100% coconut shell carbon, with iodine value of above 1000. Coconut shell carbon in GAC (G ranular A ctivated C arbon) and CTO (C hlorine removal, T aste, and O dor) filters , has many advantages such as high mechanical strength (strong adhesion), and high pore volume. Iodine value of above 1000 - The higher the iodine value the greater is the filter’s adsorption capacity. Coconut shell carbon activated material with iodine value of above 1000 are translated to higher ability to capture and retain impurities, such as organic compounds and chlorine (Chlorine and chloramine are the major disinfectants used in public water systems). Note! some censorship breaking scientific articles [REF 1 , 2 ] show the chlorine destructive effect on our Microbiome at concentrations practices by many municipalities! GAC and CTO filters Composition Pure Water Flow Rate Feed and pure water TDS display Pure Water Flow Rate - The flow rate of systems with storage tank is determined by the storage tank internal pressure and the tank volume, whereas the flow rate from tankless systems is determined by the entire system’s construction and consequently its price. For tankless systems, look for flow rate of no less than 1.5 liter/min. Feed and Pure Water TDS Display - Water purity is greatly affected by the system’s feed water contamination (TDS) level - the higher the feed water TDS, the higher the pure water TDS. Feed water TDS also significantly impacts the replacement frequency of the pre membrane filters and the membrane itself. A rise of pure water TDS, without a TDS rise of the feed water, is a most important indication for a need for filter replacement since most, if not all home RO systems vendors do not specify a predefined replacement period but would rather give a “range” like: “12-24 months or 1300 gallons whichever comes first”. Some systems have indicators that signal when filters need changing but these indicators are activated by the system's predefined usage time rather than the actual effectiveness of each filter . Having a pure water TDS display enables to determine the need for replacement by tracking the pure water TDS level, taking action when you notice a rise in that level, that is not related to a TDS rise in the feed water. A RO system with feed water TDS display will greatly assist you with this determination. Filter replacement job - Read the User’s Manual to see how easy it would be to install the system and later replace the filters, to reduce/eliminate the need for professional help for the system's installation and maintenance. Self Cleaning (also called Auto Flush) this mechanism automatically “power flushes” the membrane upon post installation initial start-up and then subsequently for 10-20 seconds every couple of hours of accumulated output water flow or a period of “no use”. This turbulent water action removes organic and inorganic contaminants from the membrane, thereby extending the membrane efficacy and life expectancy, ensuring consistency of water purity over time, thereby extending the membrane and other filters’ functional life span. Self cleaning mechanism is also important to eliminate (or minimise) the TDS creep problem as we mentioned above. Filter Replacement Job Self Cleaning Low/High Pressure Regulator Valves Waste Water Ratio Phthalates and Bisphenol-A (BPA) Free Feed Water Low/High Pressure Regulating Valves - these valves will protect the system from extreme low and high feed water pressure. Note, many RO systems’ installation instructions would read: “The operating pressure in your home should be tested over a 24 hour period to attain the maximum pressure. If it is above 0.63 MPa (6.3 bar / 91.4 psi), then a pressure regulator is necessary". It’s a good recommendation with one small problem - cost! Most hydrostatic tests cost between $250 to $500. Even if the results of the pressure testing are within the system's pre-specified operating pressure range, there is still the problem of pressure fluctuations, fluctuations that without the regulator valves, could damage the system. Waste Water Ratio - it is the amount of water wasted for every gallon of purified water produced, expressed as pure to waste ratio. Look for an efficiency ratio of above 1:1 ratio. Phthalates and Bisphenol-A (BPA) Free - food grade plastic tubes and components - most of the RO systems are made with plastic materials. Some plastic materials tend to leach toxins such as Phthalates and Bisphenol A, into the water that they come in contact with. Make sure that the RO tubes and components of the system that you want to purchase are made of food grade PE, ABS or stainless steel materials . Read on this page more about Phthalates and Bisphenol A in plastics. Note! This criterion is most important! Most RO system vendors are now complying with this requirement. Still we strongly recommend that you validate that the system of your choice complies with this requirement. Last Phase Filter - in spite of the attention given to this feature, driven by profit motivation, the importance of the minerals added to the pure water with this filter is rather marginal. Even if we assume that a person would consume 4 liters/day , the table below clearly shows that the minerals we acquire from our drinking water is marginal when compared to what we have to acquire on a daily basis from our foods. The most important feature of this filter is the alkalinity that it adds to make the water tastier, and the added minerals are "a small bonus" to that feature. This filter should bring the output water pH to above 8 given that for most people, water with a pH of around 8 to 8.5 tastes better than water with a lower pH as the pH of pure water is around 7. Last Phase Filter

Aluminum Foil Health Risks Page Content: Background Aluminum Health Hazards Aluminum Detoxification Cooking without aluminum foil Related Linked Pages: Microwave and Foods Plastics At Home Lectin, Gluten, Phytic Acid, Emulsifiers Glyphosate Danger in Cooking/Baking Bags Rice and Arsenic Back to Prevention Back to Risky Foods... Background Aluminum Health Hazards Cooking without aluminum foil Aluminum Detoxification Background “Aluminum is the twelfth most common element in the Universe”, found almost everywhere in low background concentrations that do not pose a health hazard. There are also sources of pollutants of human origin from mining sites and the materials industry. The aluminum ion is a very reactive ion, therefore it cannot be found in nature in a pure form but bound to other substances. Generally speaking, all the foods we eat have aluminum from a natural source that comes from the soil. These are average concentrations of less than 5 mg per kg of food in unprocessed foods, and concentrations of 5-10 mg per kg of food in processed foods. But due to the reactive properties of aluminum, we are also exposed to it from other sources. The aluminum foil is a thin sheet made entirely of pure aluminum metal. So thin that it can reach a thickness of 0.2 mm and even a thickness of 6 microns. There is almost no home that does not have this roll of aluminum foil, not even suspecting that this is another one of these products that poisons our food. Wrapping our foods with that foil leads to disturbing results: aluminum ions migrate very easily from the aluminum foil to the food that comes into contact with it! It takes just a little bit of moisture and a chemical reaction is formed that releases aluminum ions which rapidly (depending on acidity, alkalinity, temperature, etc.) react with the organic molecules around them. This 2012 study tested the degree of migration of aluminum from aluminum foil to minced meat that was used to prepare six different food solutions using tomato juice, citric acid, apple vinegar, salt, and spices. The researchers conclude: “Aluminum foil used in cooking provides an easy channel for the metal to enter the human body. The increase in cooking temperature causes more leaching. The leaching is also highly dependent on the pH value of the food solution, salt, and spices added to the food solutions. Aluminum foil is not suitable for cooking, especially with acidic food. It is also possible that excessive consumption of food baked with aluminum foil may carry a serious health risk”. Aluminum Health Hazards “Aluminum contamination of food represents an important issue to find relationships between aluminum intake and certain serious illness such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dialysis encephalopathy, bone disorder, human breast cancer, and it is also considered to be a neurotoxin; aluminum salts can be accumulated by the gut and different human tissues (bones, parathyroid, and brain). Aluminum is diversely affecting the growth rate of human brain cells . (Read More [1 ], [2 ], [3 ]...). Aluminum Detoxification It was found that Citric Acid is the best chelating agent on the toxicity, distribution and excretion of aluminium. Additionally, to boost this process, it is recommended to boost your meals with polyphenols. Use spices, Cocoa Powder, nuts, Flaxseeds, berries (that are also low in calories and high in vitamin C, and fiber), Vegetables, Olives, Coffee and Tea ( Read more ). This polyphenol boosting is important as It was found that polyphenol molecules encourage the attachment of metal ions and facilitate their removal by the kidneys. Cooking without aluminum foil When baking in the oven - use a Pyrex with a lid, or a pot with a lid, the dish will turn out even more successful. For roasted vegetables in the oven, steam them for a few minutes in order to soften them before baking. 5.0 1 Ratings average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Ratings Reviews

Aloe gel has been used for centuries for hair growth and recovery. Here we offer a most powerful lotion that has been proved by both scientific studies and practitioners. hair growth Page Content: Triggers for Hair Loss Vitamin D Caffeine Biotin Lysine Batana Oil Androgenetic Alopecia How to use citrus peels Collagen and Hair Loss Collagen "Foods" for Hair growth Hormones and Endocrine Disorders Home Made Shampoos Aloe Vera Treatment for Hair loss Aloe Vera Recipe For Topical Application Aloe gel extraction for hair growth Triggers for Hair Loss Given the "popularity" of this subject, there are numerous scientific studies that tried to identify the causes behind hair loss. From an intense review of many of these studies we come to the conclusion - that as with many other health issues, lifestyle, diet and exposure to toxins (read more here ) play a major role in triggering the hair loss process. Androgenetic Alopecia (AA) is a pattern hair loss condition that primarily affects the top and front of the scalp. In male-pattern hair loss, the hair loss typically presents itself as either a receding front hairline, loss of hair on the crown and vertex of the scalp, or a combination of both. This condition affects up to 50 percent of males and females and is characterized by progressive loss of terminal hair of the scalp any time after puberty". Male AA - "The cytochrome p450 alpha aromatase enzyme has also been found to contribute to androgenetic alopecia. Aromatase diminishes intra-follicular testosterone by catalyzing the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Differences exist in the expression of aromatase in balding and non-balding scalp (54 )". There are three dominant contributors that were found to have a significant impact on hair loss, over and above the lifestyle factors : Vitamin D, Caffeine, Biotin, and Lysine. Vitamin D This 2018 review "A broad literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar", about the relationship between vitamins, minerals, and hair loss, brings one "conclusive" element that has a clear impact on hair loss "Several studies showed an association between AA and low vitamin D levels. Correction of vitamin D deficiency improves AA outcome and enhances response to treatment ". Consequentially , our first recommendation is "use daily vitamin D supplement - 5000-10,000 IU capsules" to slow or stop hair loss! Caffeine Caffeine offers several benefits for hair growth: Stimulates hair follicles : Caffeine prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle, promoting thicker and longer hair strands[1 ][2 ]. Blocks DHT : Caffeine inhibits the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss. High levels of DHT can slow down or inhibit healthy hair growth, leading to hair thinning or balding. By potentially blocking DHT, caffeine may help prevent hair loss. helping to maintain hair follicle size[2 ][3 ]. Improves blood circulation : It stimulates blood flow to the scalp, ensuring hair follicles receive essential nutrients and oxygen[2 ][4 ]. Enhances hair texture : Caffeine can improve hair texture, making it smoother, less frizzy, and more manageable[1 ]][3 ]. Promotes keratin growth : It stimulates matrix cells to divide quickly, encouraging faster hair growth and increased keratin production[1 ]][2 ]. Increases hair shaft elongation : Studies have shown that caffeine can counteract testosterone-induced growth suppression and stimulate hair shaft elongation[4 ][5 ]. Strengthens hair : Caffeine fortifies hair strands by strengthening the hair shaft, resulting in reduced breakage and split ends[2 ]. Improves hair appearance : It can make hair look fuller, longer, and more lustrous due to its effects on follicles and the scalp[2 ][3 ] Topical application of caffeine is the best way to use coffee for hair growth, rather than ingestion. Here's why: Direct application : Topical use allows caffeine to be applied directly to the scalp and hair follicles, where it can have the most impact on hair growth[6 ][7 ]. Higher concentration : Drinking coffee would require consuming unsafe amounts to achieve the necessary caffeine concentration in hair follicles[6 ]. Targeted effects : Topical application ensures that caffeine reaches the hair follicles without being distributed throughout the body, as it would be when ingested[8 ]. Scientifically supported : Studies have shown that topical caffeine application can stimulate hair growth and counteract the effects of DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss[9 ][10 ]. Caffeine (or coffee) practice for topical application : Use organic caffeine (or coffee) powder. Dilute 99.9% DMSO with distilled water (80% water, 20% DMSO). DMSO enhances penetration, it is known for its excellent skin penetration properties, which can significantly improve the delivery of caffeine to the hair follicles[12 ][13 ]. Alternatively you may use organic coconut oil or hair oil. Using DMSO solution does not require to wash the hair after the lotion dries out. Mix one table spoon of powder with two table spoons of the diluted DMSO (or the oil) and massage it into your scalp[11 ]. Apply every day or two , for sufficient time: Leave the lotion on the scalp for several minutes to allow absorption[6 ]. Using the DMSO carrier solution, it will dry out in about 30 min. Rinse the hair with natural shampoo that most of its ingredients (above 80%) are organic. Triggers for Hair Loss Vitamin D Caffeine Biotin Biotin (D-Biotin), a water-soluble B vitamin, plays a significant role in hair health by supporting keratin production , which is essential for hair strength and growth. It strengthens hair follicles, reduces breakage, and promotes healthier, thicker strands. For individuals with a biotin deficiency, supplementing with biotin can be highly effective in improving hair growth and reducing hair thinning.(Watch this video for more information ) You might also see biotin referred to as coenzyme R, vitamin B7, and vitamin H. It has several different forms, actually. But only D-biotin is totally active in human beings. So, when you see the word “biotin,” it usually means you’re looking at D-biotin. Our body needs it to carry out specific biochemical functions, like: Creation of fatty acids [1 ] Conversion of amino acids to other useful compounds [2 ] The production of glucose from non-carbohydrates to help supply your brain and red blood cells with fuel [3] Just how does biotin generally accomplish its duties? It simply attaches to certain proteins at specific places in a process called biotinylation. Biotinylation is basically a fancy name for a process that’s routinely used to attach biotin to proteins and other large molecules.[4 ] To keep our body functioning, Biotin production in our body is dependent on a bacteria that usually lives in our guts. So how can we increase production of this important vitamin? Well, you’ve got to get your biotin from biotin supplements, or even certain dietary sources, like [5 ] – Leafy greens (ie: kale, spinach, and Swiss chard) egg yolks Avocado Cauliflower Wild-caught fish Mushrooms Liver If the body doesn’t make enough of the biotin, from the foods intake, a supplement is a good addition. Biotin is considered to be a very safe vitamin. Whether you’re using it to support hair growth or fight various health issues, even super huge doses of biotin fail to lead to adverse side effects given that it is water-soluble, making excess amounts simply pass through the body and are eliminated with our urine. Given the above, it may be important to consider biotin supplements, let alone that biotin is very beneficial not just for thinning hair. [6 ] Biotin Lysine Lysine Lysine plays a significant role in promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy hair. This essential amino acid contributes to hair health in several ways: Collagen production : Lysine is crucial for collagen formation, which strengthens hair shafts and promotes hair growth[1 ][2 ]. Collagen provides the foundation for healthy hair growth and contributes to hair elasticity, allowing it to withstand daily styling and manipulation. Iron absorption : Lysine enhances the body's ability to absorb iron, which is vital for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles[1 ]. Improved iron absorption can lead to better hair growth, especially in women who have experienced hair loss related to iron deficiency. Protein synthesis : As an essential amino acid, lysine is a building block of protein, which is crucial for hair structure and growth[1 ]. It stimulates hair production, resulting in fuller and thicker hair. DHT blocking : Lysine may function as a DHT (dihydrotestosterone) blocker[1 ]. Calcium regulation : Lysine aids in calcium absorption and regulation[1 ][2 ]. Proper calcium levels are essential for maintaining strong and healthy hair, as calcium deficiencies can leave hair brittle and prone to damage. Hair root and volume : Lysine is present in the hair's root and is responsible for the shape and volume of the hair[3 ]. A deficiency in lysine can potentially lead to hair loss. To increase lysine level, one can consume lysine-rich foods such as nuts, beans, dairy products, fish, and meat, or consider taking lysine supplements under professional guidance[1 ][4 ] Batana Oil Batana Oil Batana oil, derived from the nuts of the American palm tree (*Elaeis oleifera*), is celebrated for its nourishing properties that benefit hair and scalp health. While it is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants like vitamin E, and carotenoids, there is limited scientific evidence to confirm its efficacy in promoting hair growth or reversing hair loss [REF1 ]. The prime benefits of this oil: Moisturization: Batana oil is packed with fatty acids (oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid) that deeply hydrate the scalp and hair, improving shine and strength1 [ REF2 ] . Scalp Health: It contains carotenoids (vitamin A precursors) and vitamin E, which support scalp health by regulating sebum production and reducing oxidative stress [REF3 ] . Androgenetic Alopecia How to use citrus peels Male Androgenetic Alopecia - "The cytochrome p450 alpha aromatase enzyme has also been found to contribute to androgenetic alopecia. Aromatase diminishes intra-follicular testosterone by catalyzing the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Differences exist in the expression of aromatase in balding and non-balding scalp (54 )". In conclusion, using effective aromatase inhibitors could make a big difference as substentiated by this study (and many others): "Aromatase inhibitors effectively delay epiphysial maturation in boys and improve testosterone levels in adult men". As shown in this study (and many others) there is one herbal product that has been proved to be most effective for aromatase reduction - CITRUS PEELS! How to use citrus peels Dr. Berg's short recipe introduction: "In addition to losing weight with Healthy Keto®, reducing insulin, and consuming cruciferous vegetables, you can try a fantastic natural remedy for an enlarged prostate that involves citrus peel". Dr. Berg's recipe: "Add a whole lemon and a glass of water to a blender, and blend it for about 30 seconds. Then, blend again with about five to ten drops of liquid stevia or 1/2 to 1 cup of blueberries. You can have this at any time of day—enjoy!" Our Recipe : When you eat any citrus fruit (organic of course) - save the peels. Cut the peels to small pieces and store them in the freezer. When you accumulate some 10-15 ounces, defrost the peels with a small amount of water, and grind them in the blender for about 15 seconds, to make a fine pulp. Put it in a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. Add this pulp to any tasty food that you eat, be it sweet or salty, so that you ingest 2 to 3 tablespoons a day. Expect to notice the improvement in a matter of a few weeks. Collagen and Hair Loss This study found "That stem cell aging results from proteolysis (the breakdown of proteins or peptides into amino acids) of type XVII Collagen...in response to DNA damage in HFSCs (Hair Follicle Stem Cells) and the commitment of stem cells to epidermal differentiation... leading to stepwise miniaturization and loss of hair follicles". In simple words, collagen loss contributes to the hair loss process! Collagen and Hair Loss Collagen "Foods" for Hair growth Hormones and Endocrine Disorders Home Made Shampoos Collagen "Foods" for Hair growth "Only marine collagen peptides have been researched as a hair growth stimulant, and these have only been assessed in animals, not humans [3 ]. So if you’re planning to try collagen for hair, it’s a good idea to start with these — but be mindful that they’re not a proven hair growth treatment". Gelatin is very rich collagen source for collagen so you may want to try this source for hair growth, but note the limited scientific proofs for the effectiveness of this hair growth stimulant. This study concludes : "Type I procollagen immunostaining was substantially increased throughout the dermis in both groups", following the supplementation of aloe vera gel for 90 days taken by participants - thirty healthy female subjects over the age of 45 (low-dose: 1,200 mg/d, high-dose: 3,600 mg/d). Again, in simple words, Aloe Vera gel makes a significant "contribution" to body's collagen production! Still, this is NOT a conclusive evidence that aloe vera gel is the right formula for hair growth! The aloe vera recipes we present below represent a summery of practices collected from the web but are not backed by scientific studies that could substantiate their effectiveness . Hormones and Endocrine Disorders Hair growth, cycling, and density can all be affected by endocrine disorders. This article provides a wide array of hormones that affect hair growth among men and women. Without getting into all the confusing details, it concludes "The hair cycle and hair follicle structure are greatly impacted by various hormones. Hair changes are prevalent in endocrine illnesses and might be the first indicator of underlying hidden endocrinopathy". Bottom-line , learn more on this page about practices that could help to avoid endocrine system disruptions. Home Made Shampoos Given the simplicity and effectiveness of the home made shampoo alternatives we prefer to present here our recommended alternatives without getting into the complexities of the chemicals used and their impact on the hair, the scalp and the environment. The natural, home made alternatives can clean and nourish hair without the exposure to chemicals and striping the scalp and hair from their natural oil. Baking soda (also known scientifically as sodium bicarbonate) is known to be an exfoliating ingredient. Scalp and hair pH are slightly acidic, with the pH of the scalp being 5.5 and the hair shaft sitting at about 3.7. Baking soda is alkaline (pH = 8). To restore the scalp and hair acidity, u se 5%, organic, apple cider vinegar (ACV) to balance your scalps pH levels as explained below: Use 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and mix it with water until it forms a paste. Wet your hair and scalp and apply it to your scalp and down the length of your wet hair. You can let it sit anywhere from one to three minutes and then rinse clean. Mix between 2 and 4 tablespoons of ACV with 16 ounces of cool water. Tip the head back and pour the mixture over the entire scalp, making sure that the mixture will not come in touch with the eyes. M assage your scalp and let it soak in for 1 to 2 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly. Aloe Vera Treatment for Hair loss The web offers numerous aloe vera "based" hair recovery and growth recipes. We have studied many of those recipes, their preparation and dosage, to bring you the ones that are "substantiated" by trustworthy tradition and contemporary testimonials along with scientific studies that verify their effectiveness. We also looked for aloe gel extraction methods that are simple and their preparation does the least of damage to the aloe's beneficial ingredients (and the beneficial ingredients of the other formula components). Some health oriented sites praise aloe vera and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). The following citation is for those who are not aware of the ACV benefits to hair growth: "Every hair has its own oil can. Bottle bacilli can clog these tiny openings. Scales and small dry crusts are formed, resulting in itching and dandruff. The oil-starved hairs either fall out or break off, causing hair thinning and baldness. ACV not only kills bottle bacillus but stimulates the oil cans for healthier activity." ( Read more on ACV and its merits in this paper - page 25 .) The recipe preparation instructions preserve the best of its beneficial ingredients, and its preparation is simple and quick. Important notification! Avoid recipes that their preparation recommends to warm the aloe ingredient. Many recipes recommend heating the mixture that includes the aloe with or without other ingredients, such as oil/s in a pan or in a pot. They do not explain why but scientific studies (read more [ REF ], [ REF ]) show that three of the most beneficial ingredients in the aloe plant - Enzymes, "long" Polysaccharides chains ( made up of tho usands of molecule "beads" ) and Vitamins, are rapidly destroyed when heated to temperatures above 140° F (60° C). Bottom line, avoid heating the recipe if you want to preserve the benefits of the aloe ingredients! Back to aloe hair growth testimonials, Indian, Mexican, Brazilian and many other traditions are rich with aloe vera based recipes that were developed over centuries, all promising renewed hair growth in a matter of a few weeks. Same for Youtube and other social media platforms - all are rich with videos, some with more than 30 million views, claiming quick hair growth recovery. Sorry to say, but it takes months, sometimes 6 and sometimes even longer, to see renewed hair growth, but for many - it is going to work! Aloe Vera Treatment for Hair loss Aloe Vera Recipe For Topical Application Aloe Vera Recipe For Topical Application This recipe adds four ingredients to the aloe gel, each of which with scientifically proven properties for hair growth recovery: Lavender essential oil is added following a study on its effect on hair growth with mice, and the recomme ndation of other " experts " for it's use. Epsom salt - food grade (magnesium sulfate) is added for its magnesium and sulfur content replacing onion and its sulfur content and the numerous testimonials for the purple onion and its sulfur content contribution to hair growth. Popularity and numerous testimonials are the reasoning behind our recommendation for the apple cider vinegar. Jojoba oil - "Its properties as a liquid wax allow the dissolution of sebum deposits within hair follicles due to an ability to penetrate the follicles and remove the comedome, thus clearing the skin". DMSO - food grade (99.9% pure) is recommended as penetration enhancer in topical pharmaceutical formulations [ REF ]. Note: Many videos ( this one for example ) that recommend homemade aloe hair growth recipes, refer to the "inner gel" extracted from the fresh aloe leaves (see image below). In the context of our hair growth recipe FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION, we refer to the gel that is scraped from the leaf including the latex layer that contains the aloin! The aloin is not toxic and contains most of the antioxidants found in the aloe leaf. Antioxidants help improve hair growth in several ways: Increase blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring hair follicles receive adequate nutrients. They create an optimal environment for hair follicles by reducing oxidative stress Research has shown that antioxidants in hair products can reduce shedding and increase fullness in people with thinning hair. Quick and simple preparation using a blender to grind the ingredients (with undesired oxidation of some highly beneficial ingredients): Put the ingredients - aloe gel or the slim leaf section, lavender essential oil, DMSO and the optional apple cider vinegar (to provide the aloe some protection against oxidation). Activate the blending. Avoid prolonged and/or high-speed grinding, to minimize enzymes oxidation (read more ). When done, continue by screening the mixture. Pour the mixture from the blender into a small bowl on which you lay a fine Mesh Food Stainless Steel Strainer or a dense mesh fabric like the one shown in the picture below (a chiffon fabric is another good option) and squeeze the "liquid" out into the bowl (see pictures below). Aloe gel extraction for hair growth HAIR GROWTH RECIPE - Aloe with epsom (or onion) , DMSO and "optional" Apple Cider Vinegar and Lavender - our most recommended recipe : Ingredients: Note - a tablespoon (tbsp) is about 15 grams (or ml). If you want to use a digital kitchen scale of some sort, or change the formula "total output", use this conversion weight replacing the tbsp count, and just make sure to keep the recipe ingredients ratios as specified below: 3-4 tbsp of aloe vera gel scraped extract (see " Aloe gel extraction for hair growth" below ), 1 teaspoon of epsom food grade salt, or preferably - onion juice 2 teaspoons of high quality - food grade (99.9% pure) liquid DMSO , 10 drops of jojoba oil 6-8 drops of lavender essential oil (optional), 1 tbsp of organic Apple Cider Vinegar (optional). Aloe gel extraction for hair growth: Cut off the tip of the leaf and remove the thorns by cutting narrow strips from the sides of the section. Cut and separate between the upper and lower sides of the section. Use a serrated kitchen knife to scrape the gel from the skins, laying the skin on the cutting board and scraping from the center of the skin (of the skin's length axis) to one "end" and then to the other. Pour the scraped gel from the cutting board into a small bowel, add the other ingredients of the recipe. Use a low speed mixer to homogenize the mix and when ready, pour into a small jar with a cap, and keep it refrigerated for up to a week. For longer periods, store the blend in your freezer. 5.0 1 Reviews average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Reviews Reviews Application: Before application, massage the areas of the scalp where you want to apply the lotion with a warm wet towel for about 2-4 min. Mixture stored in a jar: Before use, shake well the jar. Split the hair and apply the mixture by pouring a little bit from the jar into a small bowl, wet your fingers in the mixture, and apply to your scalp. To use it as a hair mask, just rub the hair "against" your (mixture) wet scalp. For long hair, divide the hair into sections, and b egin the application at mid-shaft, working toward the ends, and then continue with the application to the scalp as described above. Then wrap a towel around your head. This helps protect the mask from dripping, but it also helps keep your hair from drying out. Warming up the towel may help the mask have even more of a moisturizing effect. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes. You can leave it on for up to an hour for extra conditioning. Repeat this application process twice a week. Application of the mixture in a spray bottle: Before use, shake well the bottle, split the hair to let the spray reach the roots of the hair, and massage the scalp. When done, wrap the hair with a plastic hat or even a plastic wrap like "cling wrap" (for many it's "Saran" wrap) and the like. Wait for 2-4 hours and shampoo the hair (the longer the better, but 30 min. is a minimum). Rinse the mask out of your hair. Note: Some users leave the mask without rinsing for a prolonged period of time. Remove the hat or the cling wrap, rub the hair with a piece of paper or warm wet towel to remove the oil (and the oily look) from the hair, and let the mask "do its job". Repeat this application process twice a week. For a video, watch: "The Indian secret, 🌿 to grow hair at a rocket speed and treat baldness from the first week " . Pour the liquid into a small spray bottle, and keep it refrigerated or freeze some of it, depending on the amount of liquid that is used for each treatment. Use the freezer to avoid more than a week's time refrigerated storage. Spray Bottle Small Bowl

Eye tension is the prime contributor to eye sight deterioration. The proposed practices contribute to eye relaxation and improved eye sight. Eye Strain Page Content: The Problem How Do Eye Exercises Improve Your Vision? Eye Relaxation Practice - Palming Focus change Blinking Breathing Adjust your reading practices Expected results Eye Relaxation Practice - Palming The Problem How Do Eye Exercises Improve Your Vision? Related Linked Pages: Glasses, Contact Lenses, LASIK Cataract and Eye Floaters Dry Eyes Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration Lazy Eye Back To Eyes The Problem: You have muscles in your eyes just like in the rest of your body. When your eye muscles become "harder" and do not relax as needed for distance vision due to overuse, you cannot see as clearly. The problem is that when people work with digital devices , they do not blink as much. Consequently, this leads to eye strain and poor vision If you exercise your eyes on a regular basis, you can keep your eyes strong and healthy. It has been known for years that prolonged eye tension (over months and months) cause eyesight deterioration . Eye tension could be a contributing factor to other eye malfunctions such as shortsightedness, lazy eye and accelerated "aging" of the eyes with its accompanied damages such as macular degeneration, cataracts and other illnesses. There are many daily activities that trigger eye tension , but the most "common" is reading. Reading is a strenuous exercise for our eyes. We are so fascinated by the abundant information from the pages and computers to our minds that we forget that our eyes are working hard. Biologically our eyes are designed to move flexibly from a near-distant focus, but our reading habits are harmful and incorrect and detrimental to eye health. Symptoms : Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes. Watery or dry eyes. Blurred or double vision. Headache. Sore neck, shoulders or back. Increased sensitivity to light. Difficulty concentrating. Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open. How Do Eye Exercises Improve Your Vision? Studies show that our modern use of technology causes eye strain. Most of us use a computer, smartphone, or watch a lot of TV. As a result, more and more people are having vision problems, "compensated" by wearing contact lenses and glasses. It is well documented and known, that our eyesight will continue to deteriorate with these "artificial" eyesight correction "tools". But you don’t have to suffer further vision loss. Use the eye exercises listed below to create healthier eye muscles and reduce eye strain. Exercising your eyes is just like exercising your arms and legs. Your muscles will get stronger, you’ll have more stamina, and you’ll be less likely to develop further vision impairment due to eye strain. Palming Relaxation Practice The technique of palming to rest the eyes from all light stimulation was an integral part of Dr. Bates' approach. He concluded from his study and treatment of thousands of eyes that tight muscles actually contort the eyes and restrict circulation. 3.7 3 Reviews average rating is 3.7 out of 5, based on 3 votes, Reviews Reviews Focus change Blinking Breathing Dr. Bates found that palming helps those muscles relax and let go. Palming just a few minutes in the morning, at night, or while at work can be very restful. Many people report clearer vision and a reduction of symptoms such as headaches and dry eyes with regular palming. The palming technique has been used successfully for years. It's one of the most relaxing things you can do for your eyes. How to Apply : Rest your elbows comfortably on a table or desk. Cover your eyes with your cupped palms as shown. Add a pillow under your elbows if more height is needed to keep your back relaxed and straight. Breathe deeply while you palm for a few minutes. Repetitions Do it many time a day for a few minutes (3 -5) each time. It turns out that "palming" is one of the most relaxing things you can do for your eyes. And relaxation is a cornerstone of improving your vision naturally. Palming just a few minutes in the morning, at night, or while at work can be very restful. Many people report clearer vision and a reduction of symptoms such as headaches and dry eyes with regular palming Focus Change: Change your focus from near objects to far objects & blink as explained below. Look to the distance and try to discern small objects in the distance, but not for long, "hop" from object to object. If long distance is not an option, change your focus to something 15 to 20 feet away for three to five seconds. As you change your focus, be sure to breathe deeply and blink. Blinking: Here’s how to perform the blinking exercise: Generally speaking, you have to blink 25 times every minute! Blink every four seconds Once you’ve completed this exercise, you will find that your eyes feel less tired and strained. Breathing: There is a close connection between breathing and eye condition and vision. Inhalation and exhalation create movement in our chest and in our back vertebrae. Vertebrae C1, C2 are responsible for eye function and are located inside the skull. There are different breathing patterns, many of us breathe shallow breaths. This practice intends to break this "breathing pattern". While you take the break, breathe and slowly fill your stomach with air and then your chest. Notice that you are breathing into your abdomen as the entire lower back moves, Straighten up and let the aspiration stretch your entire spine. Imagine as you inhale the movement from the tailbone along the entire spine and into the skull. Repetitions: Every 20 min of close-up look, take a short break of 30 seconds. If your average close-up look is 7 hours a day, it translates to 7 min of your time! Did you know that something as easy as blinking can help you see better? This is because blinking helps your eyes stay moist, allowing you to focus longer. Please note: Each time you shut your eyes, the Meibomian glands produce moisture to cleanse your eyes. Blinking helps your eyes feel refreshed ready to focus again. Because of these factors, this exercise helps. Adjust Your Reading Practices Adjust Y our Reading Practices Reading is strenuous exercise for our eyes. We are so fascinated by the abundant information from the pages and computers to our minds that we forget that our eyes are working hard. 3.0 2 Reviews average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 2 votes, Reviews Reviews Biologically our eyes are designed to move flexibly from a near-distant focus, but our reading habits are harmful and incorrect and detrimental to eye health. The recommendations for proper reading will help for considerable eye strain reduction. How to apply: Read in a light that is not too weak or too strong. Never read in a light that is uncomfortable to your eyes. Occasionally look up from the scripture and look at a remote area of the room. While reading or doing computer work, pay attention to your entire field of vision. Note that the shoulders are not held up or are rounded forward. Remember to take deep breaths from time to time. There is a tendency to hold your breath while reading, as with many other activities that require concentration. Sit upright and comfortably when the neck is not bent. Note that the room is ventilated so that the eyes remain moist in an over-air-conditioned room. Be sure to move from time to time to create better blood flow to the body organs and thus more oxygen will reach the eyes. Take a short break from reading, every twenty minutes. Repetitions : It is advisable to adopt the above prescribed practice whenever you read, or work looking at your electronic devices screens Expected Results: Although many people believe their eyes will naturally get worse, the truth is - they don’t have to. You have muscles in your eyes just like in the rest of your body. When your eye muscles become "harder" and do not relax as needed for distance vision due to overuse, you cannot see as clearly. The problem is that when people work with digital devices , they do not blink as much. Consequently, this leads to eye strain and poor vision If you exercise your eyes on a regular basis, you can keep your eyes strong and healthy. Many people find that they can keep their vision strong longer than those who do not exercise their eyes regularly. We’ve found five amazing simple exercises to improve your vision! Expected Results

MELATONIN Background Melatonin is known as the sleeping hormone. Still, melatonin has a most significant role in the mitochondria ATP production! Melatonin protects mitochondria by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), and activating uncoupling proteins (UCPs). Thus, melatonin maintains the optimal mitochondrial membrane potential and preserves mitochondrial functions. Furthermore, "in addition to pinealocytes (the main cells contained in the pineal gland) almost all organs, tissues and cells have the capacity to synthesize melatonin [28 ,98 ]". Producing Melatonin Mitochondria Page Content: Background Producing Melatonin Plants Rich with Melatonin Melatonin usually serves as a chemical expression of darkness since light exposure suppresses its synthesis. The low level of melatonin is associated with a spectrum of disorders since melatonin is a potent endogenous antioxidant; therefore, individuals should avoid visible light exposure at night. However, evidence also shows that near infrared radiation (NIR), which occupies a major portion of the wavelengths of sunlight, promotes melatonin production and the beneficial effects of sun baths or photobiomodulation therapy may be, at least, partially mediated by the increased local melatonin production induced by NIR. Unlike visible light, NIR can penetrate deep into the human body including the muscle, brain, and even the bones, and its effects on human biology remain to be clarified. Thus, the avoidance of light at night and exposure to sun during the day are equally important to improve melatonin production and human well-being. Plants Rich with Melatonin Pistachios are the highest melatonin-containing food that you can find (Video min. 1:24 ), (660 nanograms melatonin per gram of pistachio ) Mushrooms are not far behind with - 100–400 nanograms per gram . of melatonin content, Olive oil and a few other plants are far behind by a factor of 1000 less melatonin content - 71 and 119 picogram/mL, (1 pg = 10⁻¹² grams) Backgroud Producing Melatonin Plants Richwith Melatonin

Rice and Arsenic Page Content: Background How Does Arsenic Get to Rice? Arsenic Contamination in Rice Reducing Arsenic in Rice Watch Other Rice Based Foods Summary, conclusions and recommendations Related Linked Pages: Lectin, Gluten, Phytic Acid, Emulsifiers Glyphosate Back to Prevention Back to Risky Foods... Background Background To answer the question we have to start with arsenic, the toxin element that rice is prone to contain! Arsenic is a heavy metal, very toxic to the human body. There are two types of arsenic: organic arsenic - Arsenic associated with carbon, is mainly assimilated in plants and animals. Inorganic arsenic - found in rocks, in the soil in certain areas, and in some “regions” of the globe - dissolved in water and in drinking water. This is the more dangerous arsenic that causes most of the health damage. It has been known for several years that rice has a tendency to absorb and concentrate arsenic. The main dietary sources through which we may be exposed to arsenic: Contaminated drinking water - in certain areas of the world (mainly South America and Asia) Drinking water is contaminated with non-organic arsenic, which is the most dangerous. Food from the sea - fish and seafood contain significant amounts of arsenic, but it is mostly organic arsenic which is much less toxic. There are some exceptions like oysters and specific types of algae that concentrate inorganic arsenic. Chicken meat - the poultry industry uses growth catalysts and drugs containing non-organic arsenic. The authorities in most countries of the world allow the use of these drugs. Therefore, even conventional poultry could be a significant source of non-organic arsenic. Rice and rice products - it turns out that of all the land crops, rice has a tendency to absorb arsenic from the soil and drinking water, much more than any other crop, most of it non-organic arsenic, which is more dangerous. Wheat, quinoa, buckwheat and all types of vegetables that will grow in the same soil, will not concentrate large amounts of arsenic like the rice. How Does Arsenic Get to Rice? Arsenic Contamination in Rice The degree of contamination of arsenic in rice depends on the area where the rice is grown (whether the soil contains a little or a lot of arsenic) and the water used (water contaminated with arsenic or not). This 2008 study found a “global “normal” range of 0.08−0.20 mg per kg. At the higher range, this result is equivalent to 200 micrograms of arsenic in 1 kg of Rice. (1 milligram = 1000 micrograms). Suppose we ate only 100 grams of rice. (100 grams of dry rice will weigh close to 300 grams after cooking. 300 grams of cooked rice is about 2 cups of rice - a reasonable and average portion. Vegetarians who do not eat a portion of meat or another main dish at a meal, often eating more than that at a meal.) If 1 kg of rice contains 200 micrograms of arsenic, then in a portion of rice prepared from 100 grams of dry rice, there are 20 micrograms of arsenic. Let's say a 6-year-old child, weighing 20 kg, ate this portion for lunch (2 cups of cooked rice), he received 3 times the maximum allowed daily amount of arsenic, above which it was found that there is an increase in the risk of malignant diseases. (For those interested, here is the calculation - a child weighing 20 kg, multiplied by 0.3, which is the level from which it is found in studies that there is an increase in risk, gives 6 micrograms of arsenic. In a portion of 100 grams of rice, as we saw in the example, there are 20 micrograms of arsenic, that is, 3 times the level that he is allowed to be exposed to in a day). If a girl or a woman weighing 50 kg, ate this portion of cooked rice (prepared from 100 grams of dry rice), then in that portion of rice she received 1.5 times the "safe" daily amount of arsenic and if a man weighing 70 kg, ate 100 grams of rice, he received from that portion the “allowed” arsenic daily amount. We put "safe" in quotation marks because the review by the European Food Safety Authority examined only the exposure from which there is an increase in the risk of malignant diseases. It is certainly possible that even at lower doses of arsenic there is an increase in the risk of heart disease, diabetes or damage to the fetus. We do not have reliable and accurate information on this subject. How Does Arsenic Get into Rice? Today, the land and water in large parts of the earth are contaminated with large amounts of non-organic arsenic due to human activity. The main sources that pollute the earth with arsenic are the use of pesticides (some of which contain arsenic), chemical fertilizers for agriculture , preservatives for the wood industry (some of which contain arsenic), industrial waste, mining activity, electricity generation using coal (this is also the main source of mercury in the atmosphere today and in our water sources) and refineries. Why exactly does rice accumulate arsenic? Rice is the most problematic of all because rice is grown by flooding the rice fields with very large amounts of water. No other crop is grown using such large amounts of water. If this water contains arsenic, the rice will be exposed to arsenic far more than any other crop from the water itself, and the soil that nourishes it. Note that exposure to arsenic in food does not cause any symptoms or immediate medical problems. Even occasional random exposure to food containing a large amount of arsenic will not cause any harm. The problem is chronic exposure with high frequency for many years (and we eat quite a lot of rice and rice products...). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA ) published a comprehensive review on the toxic effects of exposure to arsenic in food and summarized all the scientific data known to science up to that moment. After analyzing many dozens of studies , the researchers write that even with an exposure of 0.3 micrograms of arsenic per kilogram of body weight per day, there is an increase in the risk of skin cancer, lung cancer and bladder cancer. Already from this figure, you understand that children are in the greatest risk group, due to their low body weight. We note that the standard of the World Health Organization (WHO) allows exposure of up to 2.1 micrograms of arsenic per kg of body weight per day. But this is an old standard. After the comprehensive review of the European Food Safety Authority from 2009, the standard that is correct to refer to is the findings of this comprehensive review (exposure of more than 0.3 micrograms of arsenic per kg of body weight already increases the risk). WHO (World Health Organization) concludes that “Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can cause cancer and skin lesions. It has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Early childhood exposure has been linked to negative impacts on cognitive development and increased deaths in young adults.7 Dec 2022” Arsenic Contamination in Rice Reducing Arsenic in Rice Use tested for arsenic rice - Read more Choice of rice variety. From reading studies on the subject done in different countries, it became clear to us that the aromatic rice varieties ( such as basmati rice and jasmine rice ) have a reduced tendency to concentrate Arsen. A lot of water. According to studies, thoroughly washing the rice before cooking can remove 10-28% of the amount of arsenic in the rice (some of the arsenic is from rice grains that have been crushed or were broken and scattered as powder on the rest of the rice grains. Thorough washing will remove this powder and significantly reduce the amount of arsenic. [REF , REF ] This study found that washing rice reduced the amount of arsenic only in basmati rice and not in other rice varieties, so here is another reason why basmati rice should be preferred [REF ]. Not only does it contain lower levels of arsenic to begin with, its washing is also more beneficial than washing other rice varieties. Cooking the rice in a large amount of water can also significantly reduce the amount of arsenic in the rice. It is advisable to cook the rice in water that has undergone quality filtration, such as reverse osmosis. The usual cooking method for rice is 2 - 2.5 cups of water for each cup of rice. The correct and healthy way to cook rice is with a much larger amount of water. About 6 cups of water for every cup of rice and at the end of cooking, pour the remaining water. The studies found that this cooking method can remove together with washing the rice about 57% of the amount of arsenic! [REF ] About half of the amount of arsenic would come out with the water left in the pot and spilled at the end of cooking. The following study found that normal cooking with a ratio of 2 cups of water per cup of rice did not reduce the arsenic level while cooking with a ratio of 6 cups of water reduced the arsenic level by 35-45%! [REF ] This means that while cooking at a temperature of 100 degrees, the rice also knows how to emit arsenic into the water! (but only if there is a lot of water). Of Course cooking in water contaminated with arsenic increases the amount of arsenic in the rice portion. According to the studies, the rice also knows how to absorb arsenic from the water, while cooking! [REF ] That is why it is critical to cook with high-quality filtered water. Watch Other Rice Based Foods Nowadays, we are exposed to rice not only when we eat a portion of cooked rice. Below is a list of other foods that contain rice and of which you should be careful: rice crispies and rice snacks for babies Rice breakfast cereal - rice based syrup - used to sweeten as a substitute for fructose-rich thyroid syrup or other sweeteners. May be found in any industrial product [52] Rice flour (as a product by itself or as an ingredient in products, and in gluten-free pastries) Rice noodles, rice papers for rolling a rice drink (milk substitute) Summary, conclusions and recommendations The diversity of the diet - for people who usually eat a lot of rice, it is definitely worth diversifying their diet and instead of rice, also eat buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, millet and more. A varied diet will ensure not only the reduction of exposure to one or another poison, but also the supply of a variety of essential substances for health. The type of rice - learn what variety of rice among the rice varieties available to you, is the variety that absorbs the least arsenic. Basmati rice looks like a good start, with the advantage that its glycemic value (the rate of increase in blood sugar after eating any food) is low compared to jasmine rice or other varieties of rice. Washing - be sure to wash the rice well before cooking it with plenty of water. Cook the rice with a lot of water. About 6 cups of water for every cup of rice. This method will significantly reduce the amount of arsenic in your rice. The familiar cooking method - two cups of water for every cup of rice does not reduce the amount of arsenic in the rice! Regarding whole or white rice - we must tell the truth. At least with regard to the basmati rice, which is the cleanest variety, whole rice contains tens of percents higher arsenic level above white rice. We recommend avoiding eating rice crispies. Many people eat rice crispies on a daily basis, as a substitute for bread. The studies show as mentioned that rice is polluting and eating rice products should be avoided on a daily basis. In particular, whole rice crackers should be avoided. Avoid giving babies products based on rice. Prefer buckwheat porridge, homemade almond milk, etc. Avoid rice milk. Prefer to prepare homemade almond milk, or at least soy milk (organic, non-genetically modified and without added sugar). 5.0 1 Ratings average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Ratings Reviews Watch Other Rice Based Foods Reducing Arsenic in Rice Summary, conclusions and recommendations

Eye sight self healing and recovery is not a theory, it is a well established practice, developed by Dr. Bates. EYES Page Content: How Our Vision Works Eye and Memory Interconnection The Basics of Self-healing of the eyes Reduced Blood Circulation Symptoms Massage To Flex The Neck Muscles Neck relaxation Eyes blood flow "enrichment" Taking responsibility - a "must read" Dr. Bates methods Dr. Bates - more tips Related Linked Pages: Glasses, Contact Lenses, LASIK Cataract and Eye Floaters Dry Eyes Eye Strain Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration Lazy Eye How Our Vision Works The light carrying an image from the outside starts penetrating the eye through the cornea. The transparent cornea focuses the light. It proceeds through the pupil which regulates the amount of light that enters the eye, thereby influencing the quality and intensity of the retinal image. Next, the incoming light meets the lens which is flexible and connected to muscles called ciliary muscles. These muscles shrink and stretch the lens to adjust the image according to the distance of what we are paying attention to. Focusing on closer objects means muscle contraction, making the lens thicker and more convex. That is why it is strongly recommended to make periodical relaxation brakes (every 20 minutes for 5 minutes or so), when reading from your computer or mobile screens and move your focus to distant objects thousands of feet away, moving the focus from one object to another, while making sure that the eye muscles are relaxed . Back to the light path through the eye, getting through the lens, the light continues its path through the transparent internal fluid that fills the eyeball and hits the back wall of the eyeball - the retina. The retina is a collection of light-sensitive nerve cells, converting the light into a series of fine electrical pulses that run through the brain to the visual center in the occipital brain. This amazing eyeball, with its ciliary muscles, is itself attached to the muscles that hold it, allowing the eyes to move in all directions. Each eye has six such muscles. These muscles support two types of movement; The first, is the tracking of a moving object - a movement synchronized with the head to follow an object moving around. Like a bird flying in the sky. The second is the focusing/convergence movement - stabilizing the gaze on a non-moving object, during head movements. When the eye sight is working as it should, who even thinks about it. But the problem is that in many cases, even starting at a young age, the delicate connection between the incoming light and the eye, may go wrong. In most cases these problems are refraction related errors in which the eye is unable to focus the light exactly on the retina. This is a common condition called myopia (objects can’t be seen clearly at a distance). As people grow older, another problem becomes prevalent - Presbyopia (objects are blurry when looked upon up close). Eye and Memory Interconnection Researchers have found "Maintaining good vision may be an important interventional strategy for mitigating age-related cognitive declines". In other words - the implications of eyeglasses and other artificial means that people use to compensate for nearsightedness or farsightedness (myopia or hyperopia) is detrimental to our memory!We strongly recommend that no one should look at these findings as "it's too late" to improve! and at the same time to learn more about the findings of these utmost important research works, to avoid the clear implications of ignoring them. Eye and Memory Interconnection How Our Vision Works Self-healing of the Eyes The Basics of Self-Healing of the Eyes We all have an inherent ability to heal ourselves. When possible, healing should follow preventive practices such as diet and physical exercises. In this site we focus on various aspects of these practices along with natural healing of eye problems that almost 100% of us experience at younger or older age. The emphasis here is that "natural" healing has no side effects or implications that are discovered only after so much time after an artificial intervention is adopted. Note: All the information provided here is based on research work, or on experience reported on the web, by trust worthy practitioners and health institutions. Most of the presented practices, represent personal experience of this site editors, practicing with some leading practitioner! Sunlight Exposure - Sunlight, and more precisely, the red part of the spectrum, is essential for the proper functioning of the eye. A study published by Professor Glen Jeffery and associates showed that daily, three-minute exposure to longwave deep red light ‘switched on’ energy producing mitochondria cells in the human retina, helping boost naturally declining vision. A simple way to obtain this kind of exposure is to spend at least an hour outside the house and without sunglasses, to allow the sunlight to enter the eyes directly. There are those who recommend the practice of sun gazing during sun rise/set times substantiating this practice with various testimonials. Daily Exercises - To get results, it is strongly recommended to adopt daily exercises, and of course the more that you diversify and willing to spend more time, the more that you will be able to sort out what works for you best. Here you will find access to practitioners and a space to share experience with others, as a source in the search for what works best for you. Most of the methods prescribed here were developed by Dr. Bates who demonstrated that vision improvement can be obtained through exercises, even in severe pathological conditions. The best part of self healing of the eyes is, that it is devoid of side effects as the ones sustained by traditional "accessories", surgeries, laser treatments and medications. Even in difficult situations of diseases for which modern medicine has not found a cure and the prognosis predicts deterioration to a complete vision loss - self healing can bring improvement as thousands of patients have already learned. Reduced Blood Circulation Symptoms Reduced Blood Circulation Symptoms : Blurry vision, dark spots, and objects looking further away than they really are. While the onset of central serous retinopathy (a medical condition that occurs when fluid builds up behind the retina in your eye) is disturbing and disruptive, the condition typically lasts for up to two months and then in some cases it may (or may not) go away on its own. Choroidal Blood Flow "Choroidal blood flow is the major source of oxygen and nutrients for the choroid and the outer retina of the eye [REF1 ]. Neck Relaxation for Improved Blood Flow Massage Flexing Neck Muscles Stand up straight and stretch and pay attention to what is happening to your eyes, to your energy? Where do the eyes look when you are upright? Now pull your chin forward right in front and notice what is happening to the eyes? Where is the effort felt? Hold your head upright and tilt the left ear towards the left shoulder and the right ear towards the right shoulder, pay attention to the range of motion. Tilt the left ear back to the left shoulder and massage the muscle that starts from the point behind the ear along the neck to the end that connects to the clavicle. Massage it gently with light squeezing movements along its length for a few minutes. Tilt your head to the right side and repeat the massage for a few minutes. After massaging both sides, check the range of motion of the neck again. The first session in the course for improving vision also deals with the motility of the neck and its effect on the state of vision. Repetitions: Try to practice the above exercises once or twice a day for 5 - 10 min. each time. 3.8 5 Ratings average rating is 3.8 out of 5, based on 5 votes, Ratings Reviews Massage To Flex The Neck Muscles "Impaired choroidal blood flow is associated with several ocular diseases, including glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration (affects the central vision!)" . It is clear from the above citation that blood flow to the eye (and its choroid layer) has a central role in the quality of our vision! Neck Relaxation for Improved Blood Flow Therapeutic experience in vision improvement processes has led us to look at human posture, p osture issues, can lead to a reduced range of motion , affect muscle flexibility and these directly affect vision. It must be understood that we must address the movement pattern and create a real change in it and this is a process that takes time. We live in a time when from childhood our neck muscles are contracted due to prolonged sitting. There is a close connection between the condition of the neck and the state of vision [REF5 ], [REF6 ]. Contracted and tense neck muscles or a problem in one of the cervical vertebrae disturbs blood flow [REF7 ] in and out of the brain and consequently the eye. An inclination of the neck, or a tilt forward to one side could lead to such disturbance. A massage that flexes the neck muscles will improve the range of motion of the neck and will immediately affect blood flow to the eyes and vision. Eyes blood flow "enrichment" Eyes Blood Flow "Enrichment" The eyes and the visual system are affected by the areas close to them. By the forehead massaging action we relax the contracted and shortened areas that affect the mobility of the eye muscles and visual organs, and the blood flow in the eye vessels, 4.0 3 Ratings average rating is 4 out of 5, based on 3 votes, Ratings Reviews The following practice is important to enrich the blood flow to the visual system, to improve the function of the optic nerves, retina, pupil, cornea, lens and eyeball. How to apply : Sit comfortably in a chair, rest your arms on a pillow. Place the fingers on the scalp and the wrist on the forehead. Massage the forehead in deep motions without touching the eyes. It can be massaged in two ways, either, by moving the head when the palms are not moving or by moving the palms. Repetition: Do it when you feel that you get the "signals" of a reduced blood flow as described in the the above section. A Must Read - Taking Resposibility Taking Responsibility - a "Must Read!" We are facing an epidemic of eyesight disturbances, with hundreds of millions of people subjected to prolonged exposure to computer screens, smartphone screens, LED lighting and overly strong lighting on city streets. Unfortunately, although it seems that today's medical establishment has the appropriate technology to predict such a disaster, it is certainly not prepared to deal properly with this epidemic. Physicians often suffer from myopia (Nearsightedness) for holistic remedies to eye problems. Nowadays we understand the importance of allocating resources for repair and conservation purposes. More and more people are paying close attention to their diet, the environment in which they live, adopting exercises and other healthy habits. But we still do not devote enough time to the health of our eyes and maintaining their well-being. The success that optometry (a field that deals with the eye and vision) and ophthalmology (dealing with eye disorders) has had in recent decades, is largely responsible for the passive approach to our eye health. Passive because they focus on the correction of vision problems using prescription vision lenses, and with the help of surgeries , without offering alternatives. People take it for granted that if something goes wrong in their vision, medical science will come to their aid. Although in many cases it does happen, but more and more people look for ways to prevent disease in the first place, rather than just wait for their eye sight to start deteriorating. First, preventative action is more economical and pleasant! Compare twenty minutes a day of aerobic exercise, such as running on the beach or cycling in the park, versus hospitalization and recovery from clogged artery surgery, for all that that entails and all the problems involved. Even if we add to the equation two visits a week to a GYM and a regular massage , the preventative approach will still be much more affordable. We must commit now to formulating a health plan for our eyes, because the whole body is affected by their exertion. The human eye is designed to detect hunting, to scan the horizon, to view birds, to observe from a distance. It is supposed to engage in a variety of activities, observing different things from different distances and different lighting each time. If we only look at the computer screen or the smartphone screen all day, with the same lighting, we will lose our diversity and visual acuity. We will lose the desire to look and see the diverse life around us. And how does this relate to our body and energy level? Many report that they feel drained, very tired, in the middle of the day, and that they need something to wake them up. We need to remember that what we do with the eyes affects the whole body. As the poet said, "the eyes are the window to the soul." When we connect to our vision we connect to light and darkness, to nature, to our physical environment and to the people around us, in basic, simple and wonderful ways. Going for a run is not just good exercise; It may also greatly relieve the brain. This is the way to connect with your neighborhood, break away from the routine and expand your psychological comfort zone. Similar things can be said about the way to learn to blink properly, about paying attention to details, about seeing distance and walking at night. There is no doubt that computers have contributed greatly to the promotion of the quality of life in our culture. But every year for hundreds of millions of people around the world, sitting in front of a computer becomes part of the routine of life, thus exposing their precious eyes to unnatural effort and poor lighting. When people adopt central vision (accurate vision of details), they forget to use their peripheral vision (vision of items that are outside the central field of vision). They forget to blink. They forget to breathe properly. They bend their shoulders and strain their neck. They narrow their eyes to focus their gaze as they try to analyze digital data. Instead of using the natural human ability to search for images, they simply sit and passively wait for images that are constantly changing to reach them. We must work to protect our eyes from the computer, in order to avoid vision problems and keep our eyes fresh on a regular basis. It is our pleasure and our personal responsibility, to make the effort to connect with nature and our human potential. Each of us must take the commitment to demand our legacy and our birthright: health, happiness, and a productive, long, balanced life; And it all starts with our eyes! Our senses allow us to connect intimately with each other, with our environment and with ourselves, and the sense of sight does this better than any other. When a person loses his sight, he is willing to pay the doctor as much as it takes to help him. Unfortunately, however, many medical procedures that the eyes undergo today, including laser surgery to remove glasses, are more harmful than helpful. The problem is exacerbated because optometrists err in diagnosing the eye condition of many people; This is because of the tension and nervousness that patients feel during the test for glasses. Often, on examination, they are more tense and adopt their vision for fear of deterioration. Their normal vision is much calmer and therefore better than their vision when they are tense and apprehensive. But when did you hear about an optometrist who took such a situation into account? When did the optometrist massage your shoulders and ask you to take a deep breath before examining your eyes? When did the ophthalmologist ask you to pray, meditate or dance before measuring your intraocular pressure? Most optometrists make no effort at all to check the vision of their patients under normal and less tense conditions; Most people cannot test their own vision when they are in a more friendly environment. That is why most people's prescription glasses are mistakenly based on vision in times of stress! The result is one: from a lack of choice, the eyes adapt to glasses whose prescription is wrong, and the vision condition deteriorates , instead of improving. In fact, most optometrists have no idea that stress is related to poor eyesight. The only way the eyes will fit the prescription is by making them even weaker. And so, at a slow and steady pace, the condition of the eyes gets worse. Stress reduces the intensity of your vision (visual acuity). Some people experience a feeling of dizziness when they put on their new glasses because the lenses are too strong for their eyes when they are not in a stressful environment like the optometrist's store. Ask yourself which is better for the medical establishment: To help you heal yourself with an investment of time and self-healing study, or to provide you with a “fix” with surgery or a pill? In other words of the old adage: never ask the barber if you should get a haircut. Never ask an optometrist if you need glasses, because the habit of the medical profession is not to believe in your ability to improve vision. Whether the source is scientific or not - it hardly matters; Even if they seemingly want people not to wear glasses and see better, if your vision is less than 6/6, it does not matter to them whether it is 98% of 6/6, or 50% of 6/6. In both cases, they will prescribe corrective lenses, as they do not believe you can do anything to improve your vision. But if the doctor had sent you to do exercises to strengthen the eyes and relax the tension in them, it is likely that after a year you would return to him and find that your vision has actually improved to 6/6. The medical establishment is so dependent on technology and chemicals that it has no interest in adopting the simpler, less expensive, personal and holistic approach to preserving and correcting vision. For those of you who have normal vision, or even better than normal, it is time to incorporate simple habits into life, to ensure that your extraordinary vision is maintained for the rest of your life or as long as possible. Dr. Bates Method for natural vision recovery The Bates Method is a 100-year-old approach that has helped tens of thousands of people recover their vision naturally. Dr. Bates was in many ways a renegade. He was a traditionally trained ophthalmologist at Cornell University. He practiced for over 30 years and his experience with tens of thousands of patients showed him that there were serious flaws in the conventional views of eye science at the turn of the 20th century. Rather than use the conventional cumbersome and relatively inaccurate Snellen eye charts (which are still used today) he used a far more accurate retinoscope to assess his patient's visual acuity. The retinoscope is an instrument used to measure the refraction of the eye by throwing a beam of light into the pupil by reflection from a mirror, the light being either outside the instrument - above and behind the subject - or arranged within it by means of an electric battery. Interestingly, to this day the Bates Method for natural vision recovery remains illegal in the state of New York. Discover these 100-Year-Old Secrets! When your eye possesses central fixation it not only possesses perfect sight, but it is perfectly at rest and can be used indefinitely without fatigue. It is open and quiet; no nervous movements are seen. In other words, there are no muscular insufficiencies. This fact is not generally known. The muscles of your face and of your whole body are also at rest, and when the condition is habitual there are no wrinkles or dark circles around your eyes. All the methods used in the improvement of poor vision are simply different ways of obtaining relaxation, and the fundamental principle is as follows: Do you observe that when you read and look at the first word, or the first letter, of a sentence you do not see best what you are looking at; that you see other words, or other letters, just as well as or better than the one you are looking at? Do you observe also that the harder you try to see the worse you see? Now close your eyes and rest them, remembering some color, like black or white that you can remember perfectly. Keep them closed until they feel rested, or until the feeling of strain has been completely relieved. Now open them and look at the first word or letter of a sentence for a fraction of a second. If you have been able to relax, partially or completely, you will have a flash of improved or clear vision, and the area seen best will be smaller. After opening your eyes for this fraction of a second, close them again quickly, still remembering the color, and keep them closed until they again feel rested. Then open them again for a fraction of a second. Continue this alternate resting of the eyes and flashing of the letters for a time, and you may soon find that you can keep your eyes open longer than a fraction of a second without losing the improved vision. If your trouble is with distant instead of near vision, use the same method with distant letters. In this way, you can demonstrate for yourself the fundamental principle of the cure of imperfect sight by treatment without glasses. Dr. Bates - More Tips to Help You Recover Your Vision Remember that relaxation, NOT exercising your eye muscles, is the answer to recovering your vision. The strain to see is a strain of your mind, and, as in all cases in which there is a strain of your mind, there is a loss of mental control. So strategies designed to eliminate the mental strain that underlies the imperfect functioning of your eyes are the key to recovering your vision. It is also important to understand that sleep is not relaxation. Most people, when told that rest or relaxation will improve their eye troubles ask why sleep does not do so. This is because your eyes are rarely, if ever, completely relaxed in sleep, and if they are under a strain while you are awake, that strain will certainly be continued while you sleep, to a greater or lesser degree, just as a strain of other parts of your body continues. The fact is that when your mind is at rest, nothing can tire your eyes, and when your mind is under a strain nothing can rest them. A very common habit that many people wind up doing is squinting when they want to see more clearly. This does work initially but it actually worsens your vision over time as it will cause chronic contraction of the muscles around your eyes, which is precisely why you start to lose your near vision when you age. So one of the KEY strategies you can use to recover your vision is simply to notice when you are squinting, and stop. What you can do as an alternative to squinting to improve your sight is to blink a few times. Simply blinking rapidly a few times will help you see more clearly and is a long term solution that will improve your vision, unlike squinting which will actually worsen your vision over time. Another key strategy is viewing documents on your computer. While it is very easy to adjust the font of your documents to larger sizes, your best bet is to avoid doing this. WRONG ACTION! Changing the size of Word documents from 100% to 150% which clearly makes it easier to read, leads to a progressive worsening of your vision. So if you want to improve your vision, read in the smallest font possible on your screen. Avoid Sunglasses Like the Plague! Another powerful, simple, and inexpensive strategy is to ditch your sunglasses. Most people don't understand that there are more than 1500 wavelengths of light that you need to nourish your eyes. When you deprive your eyes of these wavelengths they will become progressively more malnourished and worsen your eyesight. There are some conditions where sunglasses make sense, but they are under extreme and short-term circumstances, such as skiing down a mountain or boating on a bright sunny day, where the snow or water greatly magnifies the sunlight to unusual and potentially harmful circumstances. But otherwise, wear a cap and keep the sun out of your eyes that way, as the hat will not block any of the sunshine from nourishing your eye. How a Simple Technique Can be One of the Most Relaxing Things for Your Eyes! For example, Dr. Bates believed that blurred vision is functional rather than structural - it results from chronic tension in some or all of your six extrinsic eye muscles. Self-healing program focuses on retraining the external muscles of your eyes and could be helpful to you if... You're nearsighted or farsighted and use glasses or contact lenses You've been told you have astigmatism You have presbyopia or "aging eyesight," and use reading glasses to see close-up You're just starting to notice problems with your eyesight. Your vision isn't as clear as it used to be and you're concerned that it may be worsening You're considering LASIK eye surgery, but have concerns or fears about the risks You're tired of dealing with the hassles and expense of glasses or contact lenses You suffer from eye strain, muscle tension headaches or tight muscles in the neck and upper back from reading, watching TV, or using your computer. You've already had LASIK, but your vision is starting to worsen again. Dr. Bates Method More tips - Dr. Bates

Plastics (Phthalates) At Home Page Content: Background The Risks Phthalates "Carriers" Removing Phthalates from the Home More about Plastics at Home Related Linked Pages: Microwave and Foods Glyphosate Aluminum Foil Health Risks Rice and Arsenic Danger in Cooking/Baking Bags Back to Prevention Back to Risky Foods... Lectin, Gluten, Phytic Acid, Emulsifiers Background Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are used primarily to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are found, among others, in plastic products, packaging of personal care products, food products, packaging of medicines, children's toys, paints, certain building materials, adhesives, soaps, electronic products and plastic bags. The additives are not chemically bound to the polymer and can transfer to the surrounding media like air, soil and water within the lifespan of the plastic products, which also changes the mechanical properties of the plastics. As an example, “PVC - amongst the most widely used polymers, contains the highest amounts of additives, with typically about 30% – 35% of phthalates like DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate). The additives are not chemically bound to the polymer and can transfer to the surrounding media like air, soil and water within the lifespan of the plastic products, which also changes the mechanical properties of the plastics”. This review consistently observed high Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) concentrations in poultry, cooking oils and cream-based dairy products (≥300 μg/kg) across food monitoring studies. The Risks This study investigated the associations between allergic symptoms in children and the concentration of phthalate esters in settled dust collected from children’s homes in Sofia and Burgas, Bulgaria. Results: "A higher concentration of DEHP (Di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate) was found in homes of case children than in those of controls (1.24 vs. 0.86 mg/g dust)"! Babies are at the highest risk for phthalate accumulation. Not only do they tend to put anything in their mouths, especially toys and plastic objects, they are also small in weight and any toxic molecule that gets in has a greater effect relative to their body weight. A 2008 study that measured 9 phthalate metabolites in 163 infants who were born in 2000-2005, has found that “Infant exposure to lotion, powder, and shampoo were significantly associated with increased urinary concentrations of monoethyl phthalate, monomethyl phthalate, and monoisobutyl phthalate, and associations increased with the number of products used. This association was strongest in young infants, who may be more vulnerable to developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalates given their immature metabolic system capability and increased dosage per unit body surface area”. In a 2013 study published in JAMA Pediatrics, concludes: “Women exposed to phthalates during pregnancy have significantly increased odds of delivering preterm. Steps should be taken to decrease maternal exposure to phthalates during pregnancy”. Notice! The researchers found that women who were in the upper quartile of phthalates in their blood had more than twice the risk of preterm birth compared to women who were in the bottom quartile. The study was conducted in a hospital in Boston when most of the subjects were white, educated and non-smokers. Only a minority of them consumed alcohol during pregnancy. (Smoking and alcohol are long known and proven risk factors for increasing the risk of premature birth). The researchers tested the levels of phthalates in the urine of 482 women. 3 samples were taken from each woman during pregnancy. 130 women gave birth prematurely (birth before week 37 of pregnancy). The researchers identified a statistically significant relationship between phthalate levels among all preterm infants and in cases of spontaneous preterm birth. In this 2014 study the authors start by saying: “There is evidence of declining trends in testosterone levels among men in recent decades, as well as trends in related conditions at multiple life stages and in both sexes”. The study explored the “relationships between urinary concentrations of 13 phthalate metabolites and serum total testosterone levels among men, women, and children when adjusting for important confounders and stratifying by sex and age (6-12, 12-20, 20-40, 40-60, and 60-80 y).” Results: "Multiple phthalates were associated with significantly reduced testosterone in both sexes and in differing age groups. Reported In this research: “We found evidence that reduced levels of circulating testosterone were associated with increased phthalate exposure in several key populations, including boys ages 6-12, and men and women ages 40-60,” said one of the study’s authors, John D. Meeker, MS, ScD, of the University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, MI. “This may have important public health implications, since low testosterone levels in young boys can negatively impact reproductive development, and in middle age can impair sexual function, libido, energy, cognitive function and bone health in men and women.” Phthalates "Carriers" Phthalate in medications : This study , analysed US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 1999-2004, of the 7,999 persons with information on urinary phthalate concentrations, 6 reported using mesalamine formulations, some of which may include dibutyl phthalate (DBP); the mean urinary concentration of monobutyl phthalate, the main DBP metabolite, among these mesalamine users was 50 times higher than the mean for nonusers (2,257 microg/L vs. 46 microg/L; p < 0.0001)! Phthalate in cosmetics : This study , examined the association between urinary concentrations of nine phthalate metabolites and breast cancer (BC) in Mexican women, that were exposed to the phthalates “used primarily as plasticizers of polyvinyl chloride and as additives in consumer and personal care products”. They conclude “We show for the first time that exposure to diethyl phthalate, the parent compound of MEP, may be associated with increased risk of BC (breast cancer)”. A study done at the prestigious Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and published in 2010 examined the relationship between the mother's exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and the children's behavioral problems and cognitive function, years later, when the children were 4-9 years old. This study concludes : “Behavioral domains adversely associated with prenatal exposure to LMW (Low Molecular Weight) phthalates in our study are commonly found to be affected in children clinically diagnosed with conduct or attention deficit hyperactivity disorders” Phthalates Removal Use only products that are 100% natural for baby hygiene where the line of ingredients is as short as possible! Do not use synthetic products. Be careful with cosmetics. Purchase organic cosmetics and makeup products. Prefer the purchase of games for children made of wood and not plastic and try to make sure that these are unpainted wooden products or those that have been used with ecological paints. Avoid industrial foods that come packaged in plastic packaging. (also good for other reasons), Try to avoid consumption of dairy products (and especially butter in relation to phthalates). Reduce consumption of meat. When eating meat, it is highly desirable that it be organic meat. As mentioned, animal food products are the main source of exposure to phthalates. Try to “cut down” the use of plastic bowls, plastic plates, kitchen utensils, etc. Limit the purchase of new ones, to ones that are made of stainless steel, glass, wood or bamboo (with the hope that the varnish coating the wood and bamboo products does not contain toxic substances). Limit the use of plastic bags for storage, starting with foods (e.g. foods that you put to the frigidaire). Avoid long duration storage of “things” in plastic bags - Phthalates “leakage” is intensified as the bags grow “older”. More about Plastics at Home Bisphenol A (BPA) - Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in some hard, clear plastics such as water bottles and baby bottles and in the lining of food cans. Bisphenols -A and -S are most widely publicized for, and commonly associated with, causing endocrine disruption in living things both human and animal. Disposable Paper Cups : Disposable paper cups are coated with plastics. This study found that: Exposure of the paper cups to hot water triggered the release of microplastics. Ions were added into the water through the hydrophobic liners of the paper cups. The analysis of the liners indicates the presence of heavy metals in them. Surface properties of the liners deteriorated after exposure to hot water. 4 out of 5 disposable paper cups were lined with HDPE grade of plastic. Mineral Water: A study done in Germany and published in 2009 examined the safety of drinking mineral water that comes in plastic bottles, testing if there is no leakage of the plastic components into the water itself. What were the results of the study ? Increased estrogenic activity was found in 7 out of 9 of the water samples that were in plastic bottles. In contrast , only 3 of the 9 water samples in the glass bottles were found to have increased estrogenic activity. All the water samples that were in the cartons (coated on the inside with a layer of plastic) showed a very increased estrogenic activity. A surprising discovery - out of the 4 springs from which the samples were taken, in 2 springs, the water showed estrogenic activity regardless of the type of packaging (plastic or glass). Background The Risks Phthalates "Carriers" Removing Phthalates from the Home More about Plastics at Home 5.0 1 Ratings average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Ratings Reviews

About Stroke, and a simple recipe to drastically reduce its probability STROKE Page Content: What is a STROKE Quick Tests To Identify A Stroke Ischemic Stroke Inflammation and Ischemic Stroke Hemorrhagic Stroke Stroke Prevention Recipe for Garlic Daily Intake Related Linked Pages: Diabetes Arthritis BPH Back to Age Related Health Issues Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bursts (or ruptures - hemorrhagic stroke). When that happens, the affected part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs and dies. Blood Clot - Ischemic Stroke Blood ruptures - hemorrhagic stroke What is a Stroke Quick Tests to Identify a Stroke Age Related Skin Issues Quick Tests To Identify A Stroke [REF ] Ask the person to smile - One of the main signs of a stroke is sudden numbness or weakness in the face. This can cause the one side of the face to appear droopy. If you ask the person to smile, it is also likely that the smile will be uneven. Distorted speech - This can take a few forms. It can come across as sudden confusion, trouble understanding, or slurred speech. Sudden arm numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body). To confirm weakness, ask the person to raise his/her arms. If the person is unable or if one of the arms drops down, then this is a sign of weakness. Ischemic Stroke The illustration above shows how an ischemic stroke can occur in the brain. The clot can block blood flow to a part of the brain, causing brain tissue death. Ischemic strokes are usually caused by a piece of plaque or a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. The illustration shows how an ischemic stroke can occur in the brain. If a blood clot breaks away from plaque buildup in a carotid artery in the neck, it can travel to an artery in the brain. The clot can block blood flow to part of the brain, causing brain tissue death The illustration shows how an ischemic stroke can occur in the brain. If a blood clot breaks away from plaque buildup in a carotid artery in the neck, it can travel to an artery in the brain. The clot can block blood flow to part of the brain, causing brain tissue death. When plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries, it can lead to a disease called atherosclerosis. Plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, which limits blood flow to tissues and organs. Plaque can build up in any artery in the body, including arteries in the brain and neck. Carotid artery disease is when plaque builds up in the carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. It is a common cause of ischemic stroke. Plaque in an artery can also break open and cause a plaque injury. Blood platelet stick to the site of the plaque injury and clump together to form blood clots. These clots can partly or fully block an artery. A blood clot that forms in one part of the body can also break loose and travel to the brain. This type of ischemic stroke is called an embolic stroke. Certain heart and blood conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and sickle cell disease, can cause blood clots that lead to a stroke. Inflammation and Ischemic Stroke Chronic (long-term) inflammation contributes to ischemic stroke. Researchers are still trying to understand this fully. We know that inflammation can damage the blood vessels and contribute to atherosclerosis, however. In addition, ischemic stroke can lead to inflammation that further damages brain cells. Ischemic Stroke Inflammation and Ischemic Stroke Hemorrhagic Stroke The illustration above shows how a hemorrhagic stroke can occur in the brain. An aneurysm in a cerebral artery breaks open, which causes bleeding in the brain. The pressure of the blood causes brain tissue death. Sudden bleeding can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. This can happen when an artery in or on top of the brain breaks open. The leaked blood causes the brain to swell, putting pressure on it that can damage brain cells. Some conditions make blood vessels in the brain more likely to bleed. Aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in an artery that can stretch and burst. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are tangles of poorly formed arteries and veins that can break open in the brain. High blood pressure puts pressure on the inside walls of the arteries. This pressure makes them more likely to break open, especially when they are weakened because of an aneurysm or AVM. Stroke Prevention Important Notification! This 2022 study concludes : "These findings may indicate that statins could reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with stroke but have no obvious preventive effect on stroke". On this page we present the importance of diet (KETO) and exercise as good health preventive practices. You may want to adopt a practice specifically targeting stroke prevention. A recommended such practice would be adding garlic to your diet. "Based on current research , garlic favorably affects atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes, and helps decrease the risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke". Additionally, "Epidemiological studies demonstrate that regular dietary intake of cocoa polyphenols reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke and is inversely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease". Note that "Cocoa is a rich source of polyphenols ". Note: "While cacao refers to cacao beans that have not been roasted, what is called cocoa is made of beans that have been roasted". Recipe For Garlic Daily Intake - Garlic with Water: Crush one clove of garlic, put it in some water eight to twelve ounces of water Add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil Let this mixture to sit for about 15 minutes before you drink it, to let its phytonutrients to be released from the crushed garlic, and also let the virgin olive oil “absorb” these phytonutrients since they're fat soluble. Hemorrhagic Stroke Stroke Prevention Recipe For Garlic Daily Intake 5.0 1 Reviews average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Reviews Reviews

Glaucoma and Macula - Self healing practices to stop glaucoma and macular eye sight deterioration, restoring the balance of the intraocular fluid, for glaucoma, and the sun exercise for macular deterioration. Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration The Problem: Glaucoma - The Disease That Blinds People! What is glaucoma? It is a common eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve damages the visual field and thus causes a significant decrease in vision. What is the intraocular pressure? The eyeball of all human beings fills and empties to maintain the balance of the intraocular fluid. When there is no balance between the fluid that fills and the fluid that empties, a state of intraocular pressure is created, which in most cases is high and presses on the "walls" of the eye, so that the nerve tissues are in tension and this causes slow and permanent destruction of the optic nerve. Conventional treatment: Lowering the intraocular pressure to prevent a state of visual nerve destruction. Are drug and medical treatments always effective? Medical treatment has always been in the direction of balancing intraocular pressure. This treatment often does not stop the destruction of the optic nerve. This means that despite lowering the intraocular pressure there is still a risk of optic nerve deterioration and severe visual impairment. In many cases glaucoma develops from unbalanced use of both eyes, i.e a gap in the quality and sharpness of vision between the two eyes. Symptoms: "Sand in the eyes" condition, Strong headaches A back pain Many glaucoma cases "show up" at older ages (60+). Patients usually wear eyeglasses for many years, and the problem is accompanied by a sense of "sand in the eyes". Many would also suffer from a decrease in the peripheral vision. Page Content: The Problem Glaucoma treatment practice Glaucoma Increase Blood Flow Macular degeneration Sun exercise practical example The Problem Related Linked Pages: Glasses, Contact Lenses, LASIK Cataract and Eye Floaters Eye Strain Lazy Eye Dry Eyes Back To Eyes Glaucoma treatment Glaucoma Treatment Expected Results: The treatment is designed to reduce intraocular pressure and strengthen the activity of the optic nerve. The purpose of the exercises is to create a balance between the two eyes, increase the field of vision and pump more blood to the optic nerve. Because in this disease the extent of vision is significantly lost, exercises are designed to expand the scope of vision and relieve load and pressure from the center of vision. These exercises have proved to create a rapid and significant change in the case of glaucoma and stop the deterioration of the disease, which in itself is critical. A daily routine could yield intraocular pressure reduction of about 10 in each eye and also a reduced glasses diopter number by 1.5. and improved balance between the two eyes. 5.0 1 Reviews average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Reviews Reviews Glaucoma Increase Blood Flow Glaucoma Increase Blood Flow The state of stress in the eyes requires practice on a daily level of special exercises that are specifically tailored to the state of the eyes. Additionally, coping with glaucoma requires specific body work for muscles in the back, upper back, face and jaw, assuming that the patient visual effort is accompanied by an effort of the entire form of holding and activating the upper body. This effort affects the blood flow to the retina and that in itself creates an intraocular pressure. Increased blood flow to the eyes awakens the optic nerve which is necessary to improve the condition of the optic nerve and consequently the vision. Repetitions: The state of stress in the eyes requires practice on a daily level of special exercises that are specifically tailored to the state of the eyes. 5.0 1 Reviews average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Reviews Reviews Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration is currently the leading cause of blindness in Western countries. It is common among older people but this phenomenon is spreading to younger ages as well. Macular degeneration When a degenerative process of the macula begins the visual acuity and the ability to distinct details is gradually impaired, because the macula is responsible for detailed vision. Intense and strenuous eye focusing for near distance, use of glasses, which reduces the field of vision and especially the peripheral vision, creating pressure on the center of vision and weakens it. On the other hand, healthy use of the eyes stimulates them and maintains their strength! The fact that macular degeneration occurs at old age leads many to the wrong conclusion that it is an age related phenomenon, but it is not age that causes the disease, it is the destructive use of the eyes day after day and year after year that are the cause of the disease. Remember that at any age and in any situation you can work with the eyes and improve their condition, of course the degree of vision improvement varies from person to person and consists of several factors that affect the results. Macular Sun Exercise Example of a practical experience: A patient experienced impaired vision. He would notice movement and transient figures but had difficulty seeing details. Exercises started for several times a week with a lot of special sun exercises to "wake up" the macula and increase blood flow to the head to nourish the retina, under the strong light (the sun exercises should be learned from a therapist only). After two years of practicing, the patient has achieved improved vision, he is able to read letters from a distance of 3 meters, and his vision is improving by the day. The recovery period could be shorter, depending on the general physical condition of the patient. There are cases where the improvement could be greater and faster. 5.0 1 Reviews average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, Reviews Reviews Sun exercise practical example