Say 'NO' To Gastric Bypass Surgery

This is the medical establishments latest response to diabetes: an unhealthy diet or surgery!!!!


The diet is somewhat excessive and I cant' imagine many willing to endure its strict and punishing 2-month schedule. A healthy balanced diet should give the recommended daily calorie intake of 2000 calories for women and 2500 for men. According to a small UK study, a diet of 600 calories per day for 2 months will reverse type-2 diabetes. That's right - 600 calories per day! That's less than what you'd get from your average meal...


Of course not many in their right minds would take this option, so the next option offered is surgery. A gastric bypass, in fact. Researchers tested 3 types of surgery to reduce the size and shape of the stomach. According to their results, all 3 surgery types were successful in getting diabetics into remission. That sounds like good news, doesn't it?


Here's the catch - about 4 out of 10 gastric bypass patients experience complications. This can be from abdominal hernias to infections and digestive problems, like acid reflux, vomiting and diarrhoea. Furthermore, A study by the University of Arkansas, USA, has linked some neurological problems to gastric bypass. They are memory loss, cognitive decline, restricted movement and progressive vision loss. But worst of all is the death rate due to gastric bypass. According to the Journal of American Medical Association, out of 16,000 gastric bypass patients aged 35-44, 5% of men and 3% of women died within 1 year. Death rates were even higher in the older age groups!


So weigh up the option: acid reflux, memory loss or premature death. 


It would appear that the cause of these problems associated with gastric bypass surgery would be due to poor nutrient absorption as a direct result of the surgery. Poor nutrient absorption can cause many health problems - and death!




So should your doctor suggest this I hope you bypass the bypass! You'd might be better off on the 600 calorie per day diet...


Of course, the best course of action is a healthy diet and lifestyle. Organic vegetarian diet is best, also the palaeolithic diet (aka caveman or Stone Age diet) with lots of raw fruit and veg. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, cut down on coffee, and live a stress-free life...:-)


The Golden Rule:
Avoid the 3 white menaces

• White Sugar
• White Flour
• Salt

May you be well and happy

May you be free from suffering

Random Acts Of Kindness

I received this story about a New York taxi driver and an old lady and it stopped and made me think of how life is made up of small moments. Each and every moment is an opportunity. What we do with them not only affects us but also those around us. 

May all your moments be filled with love, happiness and compassion...  :-)

NYC Taxi driver made compassion shine in action:

"I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I
honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about
just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door
and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear
something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, just like somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase.
The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos & glassware.
'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the cab. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.' 'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. 


When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'
'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.
I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' 
I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighbourhood, where she and her husband had lived, when
they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom, where she had gone dancing as a young girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low  building, like a small convalescent home, with a way that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous  and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,' I said.
'You have to make a living,' she answered.
'There are other passengers,' I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.
'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light..
Behind me, a door shut. It was like the sound of the closing of a life..
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought.  For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an  angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused  to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick dry review:
I don't think that I have done anything more important in my entire life!
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small nothing..."

Eliminate Back Pain Safely With Natural Painkillers

I received this from The Health Sciences Institute. As many of you will find this helpful I have copied and pasted it below. Enjoy...

[Health Sciences Institute, e-Alert Newsletter, UK edition, 27 April 2012]

Natural Painkillers Can Safely Eliminate Back Pain

Dear Reader,


People who regularly suffer from back pain may heavily rely on drugs to relieve their pain, relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are usually tried first.

Whilst they help numb the pain, they can also act as an irritant to the digestive system — so much so that doctors may prescribe an anti-ulcer drug alongside them, which increases the risk of even more side effects like dizziness, headaches and diarrhoea.

Worst still, NSAIDs actually sabotage your body's own healing efforts by accelerating arthritic degeneration. If NSAIDs don't bring any relief, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers. These potent prescription drugs can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. As a last resort, steroid drugs or injections may be administered to the affected area to reduce inflammation. However, they have a long list of documented side effects that just goes on and on, including mood changes, acne, peptic ulcers, immune suppression, raised blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Fortunately, safe, non-invasive help is at hand in the form of scientifically proven alternative treatments.

Nature's very own aspirin… without the downside of stomach irritation
The bark of the white willow (Salix alba) contains a natural compound called salicylic acid. Aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) is a synthetic form of this chemical. Taking a supplement of white willow bark can provide all the pain-relieving benefits of aspirin without the drug's notorious side effect of stomach irritation.

In a placebo-controlled trial, 39 per cent of patients with lower back pain who took white willow bark extract reported a significant reduction in pain, in most cases within the first week of treatment. This compared with 6 per cent who reported an improvement while taking placebo. Take 100 to 250mg of white willow bark extract (standardised to 15 per cent salicin) a day.

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a herb that is better known for treating arthritis. However, two clinical trials in Germany have shown that pain intensity, muscle spasms and muscle tenderness were all substantially reduced in patients suffering from lower back pain who took devil's claw extract, compared with those who received placebo treatment. There was no evidence of side effects from taking devil's claw in either of these trials, but this herb is not recommended if you have a peptic ulcer since it can increase acid production. Take 600 to 900mg of devil's claw extract (standardised to 5 per cent harpagosides) daily.

B-vitamin supplements can prevent relapses of the most common forms of back pain. In two independent trials, a combination of 50-100mg each of vitamins B1 and B6, with 250-500mcg of B12, three times a day, not only reduced the number of lower back pain episodes but also reduced the level of medication needed during each episode. The dosages used in these trials were higher than those normally recommended. Take a balanced B-complex supplement that gives you at least 50mg each of vitamins B1 and B6 per day. Higher doses should only be taken under medical supervision.

Powerful enzymes reduce the duration and severity of a sciatica attack
Supplements of natural proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain and papain have long been known to reduce pain and swelling, and speed up healing.

In one double-blind trial, a combination of trypsin and chymotrypsin given to sciatica (a common form of back pain) patients for seven to ten days brought about significant improvements in several symptoms. The researchers concluded: "since orally administered enzymes have very few undesirable side effects, this treatment is suitable for all patients with sciatica due to intervertebral disc herniation (a slipped disc)".

There are a number of enzyme formulas available that contain combinations of proteolytic enzymes. The important thing is to get a product that contains trypsin or pancreatin (the natural substance produced by the pancreas that contains both trypsin and chymotrypsin). Follow the directions given on the individual product's label.

The amino acid D,L-phenylalanine (DLPA) reduces pain by blocking an enzyme that destroys endorphins, the body's natural pain-killers. The powerful analgesic properties of DLPA were demonstrated in a US study carried out at the University of Chicago, in which more than 75 per cent of patients with chronic pain experienced 'good' to 'complete' relief in one week to one month.

In another clinical trial, an impressive 73 per cent of people with low back pain who took a synthetic version of DLPA reported 'good' to 'excellent' relief. The recommended dose of DLPA is 1,500 to 2,000mg a day.






Sources:

British Medical Association New Guide to Medicines and Drugs, 2001

Penn Med J 1964; 67: 27-30

Rheum Phys Med 1971; 11: 14-19

Am J Med 2000; 109: 9-14

Schmerz 2001; 15: 10-18; Eur J Anaesthesiol 1999; 16(2): 118-29

Ann NY Acad Sci 1990; 585: 54-62;

Klin Wochenschr 1990; 68: 107-15

Prog Clin Biol Res 1985; 192: 363-70

Proc Internat Narcotic Research Club Convention 1979; 379- 382

Northwest Acad Prev Med 1983; 3(5): 8

Spine 1998; 23: 2616-24

Lancet 1999; 354: 1229-33

Ann R Coll Surg Eng 1983; 65: 44-6 

Six Ways To Stop Back Pain

Back pain is something everybody will experience at some point in their lives...

Back pain is so common because of the way we are built. The lower back bears a lot of our weight and the stress we place upon it. 

The most common causes of it are bad posture, poor muscle tone, being overweight and disc problems. For most of us, thankfully, lower back pain clears up and usually quickly. However, in  some people it can become a chronic condition. The best advice is - if you have had back pain longer than a couple of weeks you should see your doctor. They will be able to rule out the possibility of serious conditions like nerve damage, arthritis, osteoporosis, kidney disease or a spinal tumour. 


The problem once you have been to the doctor is that many will prescribe common painkillers to help ease the pain. Thankfully there are safer and natural ways to help those experiencing this kind of discomfort. The six best ways are:

1. Keep moving

We are often tempted to lie in bed when we get back pain. However, resting is not the best solution.  It is much better to stay active, Carry on as normally as possible, but be careful not to aggravate the problem. Studies show that bed rest may actually delay recovery, but supervised exercise programmes can significantly reduce lower back pain. 

Correct exercises strengthen and stretch the muscles that support the spine. A regimen that targets the back, abdominal and buttock muscles through stretching and strengthening exercises   will help maintain a better posture. It can also help prevent a recurrence of back pain. 

Supple, well-stretched muscles are less prone to injury. Shorter, less flexible muscle and connective tissues restrict joint mobility, which increases the likelihood of sprains and strains.  So movement like  yoga, tai chi and the Alexander technique are a great way to gently keep you in shape. Therapies like osteopathy and physiotherapy can help to relieve muscle tension and reduce pain. Also, acupuncture has been shown to be  effective. A recent study has found that therapeutic massage is even better than acupuncture as a long-term solution to chronic low back pain. Regular massage can help relieve muscle spasms. Also recommended are cycling, swimming and walking. They are all  safe aerobic exercises because they are low-or minimal-impact exercises. They also strengthen the muscles which support the back. Much more physical exercises football, tennis, gymnastics, wrestling, weight lifting, rowing, running and aerobic dance are high impact, and therefore are high risk for back injury. 



2. Correct sleep

The best way to sleep is on your side with your knees bent. It may be helpful to put a pillow under your head to support your neck. You may also put a pillow between your knees. If you sleep on your back, put pillows under your knees and a small pillow under your lower back. Avoid sleeping on your front. Always use a firm mattress. If you have a soft mattress support it by placing a 1/2- inch plywood underneath.

Tempur mattresses and pillows — made from an amazing hi-tech foam that moulds itself to the changing contours of your sleeping form — can also help. It ensures the weight of your body is distributed evenly, which eliminates uncomfortable pressure points and has been found to provide considerable relief for those suffering with back ache.

3. Keep you ideal weight

The heavier you are, the more weight your spine must carry. To make matters worse, if the bulk of your weight comes in the form of abdominal fat, rather than muscle, your centre of gravity can shift forward — a condition that puts added pressure on your back. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can ease the burden on your spine. This will not only help your back, but you'll also lower your risk for many diseases, including heart attack, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure.

4. Stop smoking

Besides increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, hypertension and numerous other health problems research has shown that smokers have more frequent episodes of back pain than non-smokers, and the more people smoke, the higher their risk of experiencing such episodes is.

Scientists believe that nicotine hampers the flow of blood to the vertebrae and discs in the back, which weakens the back and can trigger a bout of back pain. Smokers tend to lose bone faster than non-smokers, putting them at greater risk for osteoporosis, which is another common cause of back pain. Postmenopausal women should be regularly checked for osteoporosis — a potent cause of a hunchback and 'dowager's hump'.

5. Avoid carrying heavy backpacks.

Backpacks increase the risk of certain types of back pain. A survey by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that nearly 60% of the  doctors involved in the survey, had treated school children complaining of back and shoulder pain caused by heavy backpacks.

Use both of the pack's straps instead of slinging one strap over a shoulder. Try to carry only the essentials, and lighten your load whenever possible. Opt for backpacks that have different-sized compartments to help distribute weight evenly.

Apart from carrying heavy backpacks, never try to lift something while you are twisted to one side and always lift a heavy object by bending your knees, keeping a straight back, and lifting by straightening your legs.

6. Be 'spine-aware'

Developing a good, upright posture is vital for avoiding back problems. So, straighten up, don't slouch and always walk tall. But make sure you wear flat shoes with low heals (1 inch or less) to avoid straining your back.




Here's to your healthy back...  :-)




Sources:

Non-specific Lower Back Pain in Adults, published online, patient.co.uk

Lightening the Load ; Five Things You Can Do to Help Maintain a Healthy Back, published online, Buffalo News, 18- 04-12

Spine 1998; 23: 1860-6

Spine 1998; 23: 2616-24

Lancet 1999; 354: 1229-33

Ann R Coll Surg Eng 1983; 65: 44-6

Arch Intern Med 2001: 161: 1081-8 

Health Sciences Institute, e-Alert, UK edition 25/04/2012

Cheryl Richardson's 13 "Stress Steps" To Watch Out For

Cheryl Richardson is a New York Times best-selling author of several books including, Take Time for Your Life, Life Makeovers, Stand Up for Your Life, The Unmistakable Touch of Grace, The Art of Extreme Self Care and her new book with Louise Hay called You Can Create an Exceptional Life. She is a personal coach specialising in self-care, as well as an internet radio show host, and much more. 

According to Cheryl, there are 13 ‘stress steps’ that you should watch out for:

1. You find it difficult to take your focus away from work, money, relationships, family, or anything else that is bothering you.
2. Your amygdala (in your mid-brain) senses danger.
3. Your amygdala helps to initiate your body's fight-or-flight response to stress.
4. In "fight or flight", your body releases adrenaline and the "stress hormone" cortisol, which in turn diverts blood away from your digestive tract, leaving you less able to digest food or absorb nutrients AND more likely to gain weight.
5. In this physiological "crisis mode," you're more vulnerable to pain from chronic illness, arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, stomach upsets, and more.
6. In this state of heightened physiological "alert", your brain's creative centre is deemed "non-essential" and shuts down, lowering your problem solving skills, your creativity, your intuition and so on.
7. You feel increasingly irritable, isolated and impatient. Your relationships suffer.
8. Stress affects your sleep, your metabolism slows down, and the weight stays.
9. Your body secretes even more cortisol, wreaking more havoc on your digestion (and waist line), increasing your blood pressure and lowering your immune system.
10. After releasing too much cortisol for too long, your body goes into "adrenal fatigue". You consistently feel depleted, exhausted, and depressed.
11. You no longer have the energy to adhere to your exercise routine, your healthy eating, meditation or yoga. Instead, these are replaced by migraines, insomnia, hair loss, chronic pain, and any number of other issues become regular parts of your life.
12. Battling low energy, you can hardly focus at work, and elsewhere. Your relationships suffer.
13. Your depression deepens. You (and your body) are STRESSED OUT.

I am sure many people will be able to recognise any of the above. Click this  link  to see a video by Cheryl that explains how you can overcome each of them...

Best wishes for you on your journey....  :-)