New Study Finds Probiotics May Aid Fat And Weight Reduction

A new Japanese study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, claims that consuming a fermented milk product that contains the Lactobacillus strain over a period of 12 weeks might help in weight reduction for people laid low by obesity. With the World Health Organization projecting the population of overweight consumers by 2015 and 1.5 billion, and health-related expenditures in the US alone at $117 billion, the market for scientifically-substantiated weight management food products seems impressively upbeat. The Japanese researchers based their study on investigations conducted on 87 overweight subjects. Their findings showed that daily supplements of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) administered over several weeks significantly lowered not only body weight but also tellingly reduced abdominal and subcutaneous fat.

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The Worst (And Best) Places For The Right Things

Health experts are pretty much aware of how people usually organize their daily tasks. It might come as surprising, but research indicates it's just not enough to perform everyday chores; where these chores get performed begs importance as well. In fact, the place where a certain something is kept or done can have deep health consequences. For example, the worst place to keep your toothbrush is in the bathroom sink. The reason is its close proximity to the toilet which is home to millions of microbes. Instead, it spells better oral health to place your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet or a nearby cupboard. Similarly, the worst place to get seated on an airplane is the rear end. Because the rear section of a plane is more susceptible to up-and-down movements, resulting in a bumpier ride. Best is if you can find a seat nearest to the wing. These simple health and safety tips are no doubt designed to bring out the best in you without too much sweat.

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Fight Obesity To Tone Up Your Sex Life

Considering taking your floundering sex life a few notches up? Been putting on some extra pounds lately? Well, new research from France would have us believe that obesity and poor sex life aren't altogether unrelated. In fact, obesity is responsible in a major way for unplanned pregnancy in women and sexual impotence and vulnerability to sexually transmitted disease in men. Obese women are particularly affected in terms of stigmatization by society and hence might seek recourse to the Internet and pornography to satisfy their sexual urges. For both men and women, obesity hurts the chances of getting into a proper sexual relationship, which is also likely to result in weakened self-esteem. Although, admittedly, it is tough to kick obesity within a short space of time, a conscious and disciplined effort in this direction is likely to pay off significantly by way of better physical, mental and sexual well-being.

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10 Healthy Fast Food Treats That Keep Your Calorie Count Down

If your life embraces the fast lane, and you do find it necessary to opt for fast foods to keep up with your dietary requirements, there's a better way. These 10 healthy fast food meals can actually make a big difference in terms of keeping the calorie count down - to under 400, in fact. For instance, eating breakfast inside a couple of hours after awakening is recommended and you can grab a Subway Egg (or egg white) and Cheese breakfast sandwich, along with a modest 450 mg of salt. However, if you do prefer something more ambitious for breakfast, keep mindful of the calories you're receiving so you stick to more low-profile items like fresh fruit or coffee (with skim or low-fat milk) for the rest of the day to stay within 400 calories. Stated simply, even a small degree of gastronomic discipline can pay off hugely in terms of health benefits.

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Surprising Facts About Male Infertility

Does sound amazing that about 40 percent the 7 million couples facing infertility do so because of low sperm count. Although medical conditions may be be held accountable for reduced sperm count, external factors can be responsible as well. Factors that may have thus far escaped our attention. It's necessary to be aware of these environmental factors in order to better protect not only virility but also physical health in general. For example, men resorting to antidepressants maybe because of skewed or intense lifestyles could be unknowingly damaging the DNA construct of the sperm they ejaculate - possibly leading to decreased fertility and increased danger of birth defects. Smoking, also, can lead to impairment of sperm DNA, which results in reduced fertility.

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Exercise Does Increasingly Appear To Improve Mental Fitness

Ever hit a writer's block? And haven't you found that taking some time off to sweat it out on, say, a treadmill does lift that mental fog so you're better able to continue your linguistic pursuits? Well, if so, then it's quite clear that exercise can play a major role in improving mental dementia. In fact, a growing body of evidence does seem to confirm that exercise, even if it be as insignificant as a walk in the park or a brief jogging spree, can work magic for your mental acuity. MRI brain scans indicate that previously sedentary people who jack up their fitness effort achieve better cognitive functioning. It's also claimed that regular physical activity can even prevent or delay the onset of a particularly debilitating form of mental deterioration commonly known as Alzheimer's disease.

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Watermelon To Your Rescue

Watermelon, another of those summertime favorites, isn't just another refreshing afternoon snack. Aside from being low on calories and rich in antioxidants, this delightful summer treat has plenty to offer by way of healthy nutrients including vitamins C, A, B6 and B1. Additionally, watermelon serves as an excellent source of the carotenoid lycopene, which can provide an effective shield against the risk of prostrate and other types of cancer. Reason enough to include this colorful fruit in your menu for cooling off - to not only come away refreshed but also with better protection against the much-dreaded risk of cancer.

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Spices May Effectively Lower Risk Of Cancer From Consuming Grilled Meat

Scientists at Kansas State University have found that adding certain spices to grilled meat, especially beef, may be effective in reducing the risk of cancer associated with consuming such food. Not only does addition of spices such as fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric make your barbecues more appetizing but it also offers protection through their antioxidant activity by way of inhibiting the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs are responsible for the production of cancer-causing compounds when food like beef are barbecued or grilled. A variety of cancer types like colorectal, stomach, lung, pancreatic, mammary and prostate cancers are linked to consumption of grilled meat unprotected by spices, research shows.

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Getting Away From It All

Feeling out of sync and generally worn down with all the stresses and strifes that life has been flinging your way? Is life losing its color? Well, then you badly need time off for yourself - and that's right in your home or office. With the boss breathing down your neck and your significant other proving difficult, it's time to take a break - you need to back away to your retreat to freshen up before life reduces you into a living fossil. Your retreat doesn't have to be an expensive far-flung sea beach or a mountain resort. It can simply be a corner or room in your home or office. Put in that extra effort to make your exclusive spot inviting and relaxing - decorate it with your favorite drapings and pictures. When the going gets rough, it will help if you withdraw into your little retreat for some time so you can get back on your feet again and face your world with fresh determination and energy.

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Calcium May Prove Important To Infants For Keeping Free Of Obesity In Later Life

It hardly bears mentioning that calcium is essential for strong and healthy bones. However, new research conducted at North Carolina State University shows that denying infants sufficient calcium intake could have a more far-reaching and lifelong impact on bone health, and perhaps even lead to obesity in later life, than previously thought. Although the research was carried out using pigs, the results hold relevance for humans as well - because pigs and human beings share a striking similarity in respect of bone growth and nutrition. Dr. Chad Stahl, an associate professor of animal science who led the study, believes the research holds relevance for the infant food industry and underscores the significance of the nutritional health of breastfeeding mothers.

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Tips That Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

The human mouth is home to countless germs and hence it's hardly surprising that your toothbrush is quite likely to become contaminated with bacteria while you brush your teeth. So it's important that you keep your toothbrush as clean as you possibly can. You can follow these well researched tips to do just that. Some of the ways that help keep your toothbrush acceptably clean are choosing not to share toothbrushes with other family members and replacing your toothbrush when you notice it looks worn out. Better care of your toothbrush automatically translates into better oral health. Brushing and flossing regularly is important as well. It's also necessary to undergo regular dental check-ups to keep your mouth clear of disease.

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Blueberries Can Enhance Memory And Delay Senility

Blueberries, an excellent source of antioxidants, can not only help prevent memory loss but also protect against degenerative conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Blueberries contain flavonoids which scientists think are responsible for its therapeutic properties. Research has shown that flavonoids can be absorbed into the bloodstream and, after getting transmitted to brain cells, these nature-based substances are able to perform the task of enhancing neural connections that result in improved cellular communication and more efficient neural regeneration. However, to release the full potential of blueberries, scientists recommend consuming the whole fruit instead of only drinking the juice or swallowing blueberry extract capsules.

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Exercising To Fend Off Mental Debility

A couple of new studies show exercise might play an effective role in preventing and improving mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment precedes age related dementia. The findings indicate moderate exercise like swimming or brisk walking during midlife or even afterward might substantially deter the onset of this debilitating impairment. The way it does this is by facilitating the production of nerve-protecting compounds, increasing blood flow to the brain, and improving overall cardiac health. Additionally, high-intensity aerobic exercise for 45 to 60 minutes a day does appear to significantly benefit cognitive functioning. Sounds convincing enough to stash some time away for sweating it out at the nearby gym - doesn't it?

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Blueberries Can Fight Intestinal Infections

According to new research from the Lund University Faculty of Engineering in Sweden, there's reason to believe that blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, can offer relief from intestinal inflammations like ulcerative colitis. Its ameliorative effects are enhanced when eaten along with probiotics. The research project was an attempt to see if different types of dietary fiber and probiotic bacteria can help counter the risk of ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. Blueberries provide an excellent source of polyphenols, and when administered along with probiotics, constitute a potent treatment against stomach inflammations. The research can potentially spell fresh hope for not only the sizeable percentage of Swedes complaining of stomach problems but all similarly afflicted individuals across the world.

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Walking Your Way to Better Health

Dreaming of some really decent way to shed all those extra pounds - something that really works without burning a hole in your pocket? Well, here's one such way that's almost guaranteed to accomplish just that - but not without some sweat, to be sure. In fact, you can walk your way to better health, especially if you pursue it in a determined and consistent way. Walking may be classed as one of the best exercises to obtain relief from stress disorders and manage serious health problems like diabetes and high cholesterol. Thirty minutes of brisk walking per day, at least 5 times a week, can go a long way in yielding tangible health benefits and without almost any risk of injury. However, don't neglect to put on a nice pair of comfortable shoes before stepping out.

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Treating Adult ADHD by Natural Means

It's not just children that ADHD, an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, afflicts. About two to four percent of adults, and three to five percent of school children suffer from this malady, too. Despite the exact causes of ADHD being still unknown, occasional fits of distraction or forgetfulness might warrant a visit to a mental health professional for determining a possible case of ADHD. In the regrettable event of being served a positive diagnosis, there's fortunately help at hand in the form of natural treatments to address this condition. For example, including freshly caught cold water fish in the diet and maintaining an adequate exercise routine can help out vastly in improving concentration and focus.

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Menopause & Perimenopause - The Causes Behind Hot Flashes And Night Sweats And Natural Remedies

For menopausal and perimenopausal women, hot flashes and nights sweats can spell disruption or even utter chaos in their lives. These afflictions can keep you from sleep, social interaction, work, sex and other activities that you usually include in your daily life. Hot flashes and night sweats can leave you feeling helplessly out of your depth as you watch your life spinning out of control. While medical professionals can offer an impressive array of treatments to choose from, like antidepressants or HRT or progesterone creams, it can be quite a struggle figuring which combination works best for you. Instead, if you supplement your regular treatment with these natural treatments like incorporating certain items in your diet, exercising regularly, and cultivating your emotional health, you would stand a much better chance of emerging from this life changing phase of trauma relatively untouched both physically and emotionally.

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Easy Ways To Stay in Shape This Summer

These amazingly simple tips, 7 of them actually, help you keep trim this summer - minus the sweat, that is. Like you can drink up lemon water for losing some of that flab you picked up inadvertently. This diuretic isn't only pleasantly flavored but is rich in vitamin C and serves as an excellent detoxifying and disinfectant agent. Aside from helping your body lose excess water, it can also reduce your craving. Way to go when you're aiming to go slim these summer months. Another way to stay in top shape is to resist the urge to finish up your plate during luncheon. Leaving those extra morsels out of your daily diet can prove almost magical in keeping down calorie gain over time, without having to deal with the unsettling prospect of skipping meals occasionally.

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Pregnant Rats On Fatty Diet Can Transmit Cancer To Future Generations

Researcher Sonia de Assis of Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC and her associates found a possible clue that genes might not be the only way that cancer propagates across generations. They discovered that feeding pregnant rats on fat-rich diet meant both their daughters and granddaughters faced a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This finding unfolds ominous implications if the same phenomenon were to hold true for humans. De Assis, who presented her study before the American Association for Cancer Research, suspects her research might lead to conclusive finding linking breast cancer with causes other than genetic transmission in humans. This could underline the need for higher nutritional discipline for pregnant mothers to safeguard their offspring from the chilling fangs of cancer.

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Bad Habits That Can Potentially Shorten Your Lifespan

A revealing new study claims four common bad habits - smoking, drinking in excess, sloth and poor nutrition - can age you by as much as 12 years. Although most people might ordinarily be indulgent of one of the more of these objectionable traits, when combined these habits can pack a deathly punch. However, with that being said, it doesn't mean anyone and everyone possessing these high-risk behaviors can expect to count their days here on planet Earth. The study, which appears in Archives of Internal Medicine, does make it plain that the extent of mortality depends upon the degree to which the victim pursues these unfortunate habits. Most of the ensuing deaths, it was found, had to do with heart disease or cancer.

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Loneliness Can Be A Dampener On Physical Well-Being

For those well progressed in years, falling into the 50 to 68 year age group to be more precise, solitude can mean a lot more than emotional difficulty. It could exact a physical toll also such as raising blood pressure, according to a recent study. Researchers engaged in this study, which embraced a broad spectrum comprising white, black and Latino men and women, chanced upon a link between the perception of loneliness and high blood pressure. Subjects who reported as feeling most lonely evidenced a 14.4 higher blood pressure count in comparison to those feeling least lonely. If all this seems to ring a familiar tune, better sense might suggest reaching out to society more openly without deliberating too seriously on the possibility of rejection or disappointment.

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Multivitamins Spell Extra Vigor For Non-Elderly Adults

This stands out as one of those rare studies looking into the effects of supplemental vitamins/minerals on the psychological functioning of healthy non-elderly adults - as most such studies focus on the elderly. The findings indicate that proprietary multivitamins and mineral supplements can facilitate mood enhancement and mental acuity while at the same time driving down stress levels and mental fatigue in healthy males. The research, initiated by scientists associated with Northumbria University, investigated the effects of a B complex multivitamin, vitamin C and Berocca®, a minerals product manufactured by Bayer Consumer Care, which sponsored the study. The results highlight the importance of supplementing regular nutritional diet with vitamins/minerals, which are micronutrients that improve psychological functioning in otherwise healthy males.

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