Old cancer drug may help transplant patients

Scientists have discovered that an old cancer drug can be used to prevent rejection of transplanted tissue.

Researchers  believe their discovery could lead to new treatment for both transplant patients and those with autoimmune diseases.

"Our group was studying the effects of the old tumour drug Zebularine, developed in the 1960s, and by chance we discovered that it had completely unexpected effects on the immune system," said a Senior Professor of Neurosurgery .

"It turned out that Zebularine has the ability to subdue the reaction of the body's immune system. This could be important in situations where tissue or organs are transplanted.

"We also think it could be used to curb the body's attacks on its own tissue in autoimmune diseases, for instance type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis," said researcher .

In studies on animals, the researchers used rats that were made diabetic. The researchers transplanted the islets of Langerhans - cell groups in the pancreas producing insulin - from healthy rats from another kind of rat into those with diabetes.

The diabetic rats were divided into two groups; one group were treated with Zebularine and the other, the control group, did not receive any treatment. The diabetic rats that were treated with Zebularine survived for a significantly longer period than the untreated rats.

"It is very interesting that we only treated them with Zebularine for two weeks, but the effects of the treatment could be observed throughout the 90-day follow-up period," he said.

"The findings are very exciting and are a sign that the immune system was not just generally suppressed, but that the treatment was more targeted. Neither did we see any signs of side-effects," he added.

The researchers are now working intensively to further refine the treatment. The next step is to teach certain cells in the immune system - the dendritic cells - to accept certain specific proteins using the Zebularine treatment. This would mean that the treatment could be targeted even more. 

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

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Natural Health Guide

Acne
To prevent pimples, dab on a little pure tea tree oil twice daily. Scientists  say its powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties can destroy blemish-causing bacteria and heal existing breakouts in as little as three weeks.

Brain Fog

Gesture while you chat and you’ll think more clearly. Hand motions kick-start 

production of acetylcholine, studies show, and this neurotransmitter instantly revs up 

brain function to increase concentration and focus.

Colds

Add a pat of butter to your next serving of cooked veggies.  It will double your 

absorption of their immunity-boosting compounds called carotenoids to help you 

better fend off cold viruses, say researchers. In fact, scientists say enjoying two cups of 

buttered veggies daily can cut your risk of colds 25 percent or more in just 12 weeks.

Dandruff

Rosemary oil, a potent, natural anti-fungal, can quickly destroy the yeast that causes 

flaking, according to studies . To end dandruff, experts suggest mixing five drops of 

rosemary oil into a dollop of your favorite shampoo, then massage thoroughly into 

your scalp once daily. Once dandruff subsides—typically two weeks--treat once weekly to 

prevent future flare-ups.

Earache

Garlic’s natural compound, allicin, has been shown to fight bacteria as effectively as 

penicillin, report researchers. To get relief, place two drops of warm (not hot) garlic 

oil into your achy ear once daily for five days straight. Look for garlic oil in health 

food stores--or make your own mix. Simply simmer two cloves of crushed garlic in a 

half cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then let cool until comfortably 

warm before applying.

Foot Odour

Soaking your tootsies in black tea for 20 minutes once a week can prevent this 

embarrassing problem.  Tea contains tannins—compounds which naturally kill 

odour-causing bacteria, plus they’re also astringents, so they reduce problematic 

perspiration.”To make your own odour-taming brew: Steep two black tea bags in eight 

cups of water for 20 minutes, let cool for two hours, then start soaking.

Gassiness

Spoon up a half a cup of fresh pineapple daily. Researchers say this tropical pick 

is packed with proteolytic enzymes—natural digestive aids that reduce 

inflammation in the intestinal tract and speed the breakdown of proteins, dialing 

down gassiness in just 72 hours.

Headaches

Firmly massaging the back of your head—the area at the base of your skull--

for two minutes can cut the pain of a stress-headache as much as 57 percent in 

just five minutes, according to experts . Scientists say rubbing this area rapidly 

activates key acupressure points, relaxing tight muscles to dampen pain.

Insomnia

Turn on some tunes! Eighty-six percent of people nod off faster if they spend 10 

minutes each night lying in bed listening to soothing music while they gently 

stretch their back, legs, arms, fingers and toes, say researchers. Scientists 

believe treating overly-tight muscles to a relaxing stretch while listening to 

calming music offers a double-duty effect. It dampens the production of stress 

hormones, lowering heart rate, muscle tension and anxiety to help the body 

more quickly slip into sleepy mode.

Joint Pain

Ease aches by cycling. According to researchers , cycling's smooth, repetitive 

motions actually thicken cartilage in the hip, knee, ankle and foot joints, 

helping to reverse joint damage and cut a person's risk of further trouble by 43 

percent. Their advice: Strive to cycle at least 12 minutes daily.

Kidney Stones

Sipping two glasses of home-made lemonade daily can cut your risk of 

kidney stones as much as 87 percent in one year, say scientists .  Lemon 

juice is packed with citrate, say experts, a natural compound that keeps 

calcium dissolved in urine so it can’t clump and form kidney stones.

Lactose Intolerance

If you’d like to get the health perks of consuming calcium-rich dairy, but milk 

upsets your tummy, opt for three servings of yogurt or hard cheeses (like 

Cheddar and Swiss) daily, instead. This switch has been shown to relieve 

bloating, gassiness and other uncomfortable symptoms for 82 percent of 

people within one week, report  researchers. The reason: Symptom-

triggering lactose is broken down when dairy is aged or fermented.

Mouth Sores

Dab canker and cold sores with a bit of unpasteurized honey four times 

daily and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you used prescription 

Acyclovir cream, say researchers. Raw honey’s natural potent enzymes zap 

inflammation and speed healing of damaged tissues, study authors say.

Nosebleeds

Consuming one ounce of leafy greens (like spinach or kale) daily can 

help you avoid them entirely. Scientists credit these veggie’s hefty stores 

of vitamin K, a nutrient that nixes bleeds by keeping the tiny capillaries 

lining the nose healthy and strong—and helps kick-start quick clotting if a 

blood vessel becomes damaged.

Ovulation Problems

Women are twice as likely to get pregnant if they spend 30 minutes daily 

meditating. It significantly dampens production of fertility-zapping 

stress hormones within three months, say researchers.

PMS

Downing a multivitamin (containing 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 

400 milligrams of magnesium) daily can cut pesky premenstrual 

symptoms (like bloat, mood swings and cramping) in half within three 

months, according to doctors. Multis that contain this dynamic duo 

help nerves, muscles, and glands function optimally all month long, 

say experts, instead of being negatively impacted by the hormone 

fluctuations that occur during the premenstrual week.

Queasiness

A single dose of ginger helps cure the queezies for 72 percent of 

people within 30 minutes, says a Dr. Credit goes to ginger’s active 

ingredients--gingerols and curcumin--which scientists say naturally 

improve digestion and prevent sickness-spurring spasms in the 

stomach and small intestine. Experts suggest eating two slices of 

candied ginger whenever nausea strikes.

Rashes

Dabbing on a little petroleum jelly twice daily soothes mild skin 

rashes for 96 percent of women within three days, say researchers. 

The reason: Rashes are often triggered, or worsened, by the 

chemicals in lotions and creams--petroleum jelly is chemical-free 

and non-allergenic, so it soothes and moisturizes skin, to expedite 

healing, explains  a dermatologist.

Sinus Pain

A foot massage can cut sinus facial pain in half for several hours 

(by stimulating the nerves that boost blood flow to the sinuses, 

reducing pressure and congestion), say experts. To do: 

Massage your feet for five minutes, twice daily--or treat yourself by 

asking a loved one to help!

Toothache

Chewing on a clove can ease pain for two hours straight, say 

researchers. Experts credit the spice’s stores of eugenol, a 

natural compound. Cloves contain five times more of this natural 

anaesthetic and bacteria-killer than any other plant.

Urinary Tract Infections

Downing one cup of blueberries—fresh or frozen--daily can cut 

your risk of a urinary tract infection 60 percent, according to 

researchers . Scientists say these blue gems are loaded with 

special plant compounds that wrap around problematic 

bacteria to prevent them from latching onto the bladder wall.

Vertigo

When calcium crystals lodge in the inner ear (a problem that 

can occur if they flake off of the delicate surfaces they’re 

supposed to be attached to) they can disrupt balance, 

leading to head spins. To stop dizzy spells and dislodge 

symptom-causing crystals in three weeks, researchers 

suggest this couch exercise: Sit with your head tilted up as if 

you’re looking at someone standing in front of you. With your 

neck at that fixed angle, lay down on your left side for 30 

seconds, sit up briefly, then lay down on your right for 30 

seconds. Continue for 10 minutes, twice daily, until vertigo 

disappears.

Wounds

Coating cuts, scrapes and burns with aloe vera gel twice 

daily speeds healing 33 percent, suggest studies . Aloe’s 

active ingredient--glucomannan--is a powerful anti-

inflammatory that kick-starts the growth of healthy new cells 

and supportive collagen, explains Dr. 

Xerosis (Super-Dry Skin)

Nosh on some walnuts. Researchers say 80 percent of 

women can heal super-dry skin in three weeks just by 

eating one ounce daily. Walnuts are packed with 

omega-3 fatty acids, which revitalize the skin’s protective 

lipid layer, trapping in moisture and keeping skin soft, 

smooth and supple.

Yeast Infections

Enjoy one cup of cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli 

or cabbage) daily, and you could speed your recovery 

from a frustrating yeast infection--and prevent future ones 

from occurring. Studies  show that the active ingredient in 

cruciferous veggies—a compound called indole-3-

carbinole (I3C)—naturally damages the cell wall of 

sickness-causing yeast, stopping their growth and spread.

Pickled Peppers to boost your moods !

Too pooped to party? Pop some pickled peppers! Capsaicin 

(the plant compound that gives these picks their zing) 

stimulates a rush of endorphins in the brain, erasing fatigue--

and revving up moods--in as little as two minutes, say 

researchers. The study-proven dose: Just one slice of a hot 

pickled pepper (try jalapenos or banana pepper rings) can 

fend off fatigue.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com

About Supplements

Doctors often fail to give patients important advice or warnings about vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements, according to a recent  study.

That’s dangerous, since many take dietary supplements which can have significant risks—including potentially dangerous interactions with prescription drugs—the researchers reported. 

The researchers analyzed transcripts of audio recordings from 1,477 office visits to 102 primary care providers. During those visits, providers discussed 738 dietary supplements with 357 patients.

The study was the first to examine medical discussions about vitamins, herbs, and minerals. It found that doctors are doing a very poor job of advising patients about five major topics relating to supplement use. In fact, during a typical visit less than two of the following topics were even mentioned.

• Purpose of the supplement. Fewer than half (46.5 percent) of the doctors discussed the patient’s reason for taking the supplement.
• Dosage or time of day to take the supplement. Only 28.2 percent of the doctors offered any guidance on how to take the supplement.
• Risks. Only 17.3 percent of the providers discussed potential adverse effects.
• Efficacy. Only 16.7 percent of the doctors provided information on the effectiveness of the supplement.
• Cost. Only 4.2 percent discussed the cost or affordability of the supplement.

What You Should Know About Supplements

Here’s what medical providers should tell their patients, explains Amy Doneen, ARNP, medical director of the Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Center in Spokane, Washington.

1. Many supplements haven’t been rigorously studied. “Patients love supplements because they think they’re doing something that’s good for their health. “However, a lot of the health claims manufacturers make are based on anecdotal reports or very small studies, not the large double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trials required for prescription drugs. While patients don’t like to hear it, medication can be the safer therapy for many diseases because more is known about its effects, risks and benefits.”

2. Supplements are natural medicines that can have powerful effects. The FDA warns that these products can be dangerous—or even life-threatening—in some situations, including using supplements instead of prescription medications or combining vitamins, herbs, or other products with OTC or Rx drugs. For example, Coumadin, ginkgo biloba, aspirin, and vitamin E all thin the blood, so taking these products together can increase the risk of internal bleeding. Another supplement, St. John's wort, may reduce the effectiveness of Rx drugs for heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, and oral contraceptives, according to the FDA.

3. Natural doesn’t mean safe. Since 2007, the government has received more than 6,300 reports of serious adverse events linked to use of dietary supplements, including heart, liver and kidney problems, allergic reactions, nausea, pain, and vomiting. These reports included 115 deaths, 900 emergency room visits, more than 2,100 hospitalizations, and more than 10,300 serious outcomes (with some reports including multiple adverse events).

4. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go on the market. However, it does review (not approve) new ingredients for safety. Manufacturers are required to meet minimum safety standards and avoid claiming that their supplements treat, prevent, or cure any disease. It’s smart to check the FDA’s list of tainted supplements (those containing hidden ingredients that can be potentially hazardous). Ask your healthcare provider for guidance in distinguishing between helpful and questionable products and if a supplement is appropriate for you.

5. A healthy diet is the best way to get the nutrients you need. “Popping a supplement doesn’t replace the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including eating fruits and vegetables, fish, and lean protein, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking great care of yourself. If you’ve been downing dietary supplements to make up for unhealthy habits—it may be time to make a few changes.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com

Fresh fruit helps prevent diabetes, fruit juice boosts risk

Eating whole fresh fruit, especially blueberries, grapes, apples and pears, is linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, but drinking fruit juice has the opposite effect, says a new study.

Researchers pored over data from three big investigations that took place  over a quarter of a century in all.

More than 187,000 nurses, doctors and other professional caregivers were enrolled.

Their health was monitored over the following years, and they regularly answered questionnaires on their eating habits, weight, smoking, physical activity and other pointers to lifestyle.

Around 6.5 percent of the volunteers developed diabetes during the studies.

People who ate at least two servings each week of certain whole fruits, especially blueberries, grapes and apples, reduced their risk of Type 2 diabetes by as much as 23 percent compared to those who ate less than one serving per month.

"Our findings provide novel evidence suggesting certain fruits may be especially beneficial for lower diabetes risk," said  an assistant professor of nutrition.

On the other hand, those who consumed one or more servings of fruit juice each day increased their risk of developing the disease by as much as 21 percent.

Swapping three servings of juice per week for whole fruits resulted in a seven-percent reduction in risk.

The paper,  says further work is needed to explore this "significant" difference.

It speculates that, even if the nutritional values of whole fruit and fruit juice are similar, the difference lies with the fact that one food is a semi-solid and the other a liquid.

"Fluids pass through the stomach to the intestine more rapidly than solids even if nutritional content is similar," says the paper.

"For example, fruit juices lead to more rapid and larger changes in serum [blood] levels of glucose and insulin than whole fruits."

The study also points to evidence that some kinds of fruit have a beneficial effect for health.

Berries and grapes, for instance, have compounds called anthocyanins which have been found to lower the risk of heart attacks.

But, say the authors, how or even whether this also applies to diabetes risks is for now unclear.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

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Financial stress may hit your brain and wallet

Being short on cash may make you a bit slower in the brain, a new study suggests.

People worrying about having enough money to pay their bills tend to lose temporarily the equivalent of 13 IQ points, scientists found when they gave intelligence tests to shoppers at a and farmers .

The idea is that financial stress monopolizes thinking, making other calculations slower and more difficult, sort of like the effects of going without sleep for a night.

And this money-and-brain crunch applies, albeit to a smaller degree, to about 100 million people who face financial squeezes, say the team of economists and psychologists who wrote the study.

"Our paper isn't about poverty. It's about people struggling to make ends meet," said  an  economist and study co-author. "When we think about people who are financially stressed, we think they are short on money, but the truth is they are also short on cognitive capacity."

If you are always thinking about overdue bills, a mortgage or rent, or college loans, it takes away from your focus on other things. So being late on loans could end up costing you both interest points and IQ points, he said.

The study used tests that studied various aspects of thinking including a traditional IQ test, getting the 13 IQ point drop, said study co-author.

The scientists looked at the effects of finances on the brain both in the lab and in the field. In controlled lab-like conditions, they had about 400 shoppers at a Mall  consider certain financial scenarios and tested their brain power. Then they looked at real life in the fields , where farmers only get paid once a year. Before the harvest, they take out loans and pawn goods. After they sell their harvest, they are flush with cash.

Researchers tested the same 464 farmers before and after the harvest and their IQ scores improved by 25 percent when their wallets fattened.

"It's a very powerful effect," said study co-author a psychology professor. "When you are dealing with budgetary finances, it does intrude on your thinking. It's at the top of your mind."

In part of the study, the scientists tested about 400 shoppers, presenting them with scenarios that involved a large and a small car repair bill. Those with family incomes of about $20,000 scored about the same as those with $70,000 incomes on IQ tests when the car bill was small. But when the poorer people had to think about facing a whopping repair bill, their IQ scores were 40 percent lower.

Education differences can't be a major factor because the poor only scored worse when they were faced with big bills, he said. The more educated rich may have learned to divide their attention, but that wouldn't be a significant factor, he said.

The study's authors and others say the results contradict long-standing conservative economic, social and political theory that say it is individuals - not circumstances - that are the primary problem with poverty. In one case , it was the same people before and after, so it can't be the person's fault.

"For a long time we've been blaming the poor for their own failings," he said. "We're arguing something very different."

Poverty researcher , who wasn't part of the study, said the research "is a big deal that solves a critical puzzle in poverty research."

She said poor people often have the same mainstream values about marriage and two-parent families as everyone else, but they don't seem to act that way. This shows that it's not their values but the situation that impairs their decision-making, she said.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com

Natural Remedies For Hormonal Health Problems

Boost Libido With Banana Bread
Monthly ups and downs in sex hormones -- and the estrogen shortfalls that strike after menopause -- can stall blood flow to the genitals, leading to disappointing lulls in arousal and vaginal lubrication, explains a Dr. But studies show smelling banana bread increases pelvic blood flow as much as 40 percent in 10 minutes (whether or not you eat the bread!). Researchers aren't  sure yet why, but studies have shown that this enticing smell actually switches on the arousal centre in the brain, explains a neurological director.


Lighten Heavy Periods With Beef
It’s a vicious cycle: Heavy periods can flush out the body’s stores of iron, resulting in anaemia -- and this condition can make uterine blood vessels more fragile, triggering even heavier periods, say researchers. The good news? Up to 55 percent of women can break this cycle and lighten their periods within three months, just by restocking their body’s depleted iron stores, say researchers. So, enjoy 4 ounces of iron-rich beef, pork or chicken daily -- or if you prefer vegetarian fare, pair your cereals, breads and other grains with acidic foods, like citrus or berries. The iron found in grains is tougher to absorb, but  researchers say ramping up the acidity in your tummy will double your ability to soak up this type of iron.

Prevent Pelvic Pain With Mineral Water

One in five women struggle with throbbing pelvic pain during their periods -- and one of the top triggers is a magnesium deficiency, explains nutrition researcher. “Magnesium is essential for relaxing muscles, reducing inflammation, soothing the nervous system and preventing pain flare-ups during menstruation -- yet the magnesium content of a particular food can vary wildly, depending upon the type of soil it’s grown in,” explains Dr. Fortunately, studies suggest that the magnesium found naturally in mineral water is so quickly and easily absorbed, just sipping two 12 ounce glasses daily can help correct this mineral shortfall, easing pelvic aches in as little as two months.

Make Menstrual Migraines a Memory With Veggies

The likelihood of a headache skyrockets 71 % during menstruation (blame a sudden dip in estrogen, which kick-starts inflammation inside brain nerves and blood vessels). Worse still, menstrual migraines are often three times more severe than the ones that flare at other times of the month, say researchers. But add two heaping cups of veggies (any kind) to your daily diet, and your migraine attacks could end up being 66 percent shorter and less painful within three months, say doctors. That’s because these healthy, filling picks are packed with the nutrients needed to help brain nerves and blood vessels function properly, even as hormone levels fluctuate wildly, explains Dr. “Plus they’re naturally low in fat, a proven migraine trigger.”

Prevent Irritability With Baked Potatoes

Period-triggered hormone surges wreak havoc on the functioning of brain cells, dampening their ability to produce the mood-boosting hormone serotonin -- and that can double your risk of irritability and anxiety at a time when what you’re craving is some zen-like calm! The tasty Rx: Enjoy one medium baked potato daily during your high-risk time of the month. This filling treat will soothe your jangled nerves within 10 minutes --and help you feel calmer for up to six hours straight, according to researchers. These experts credit the compound tryptophan, found naturally in potatoes. This amino acid is the key building block needed to produce serotonin in the brain.

Cool Hot Flashes With Flax

If it’s been a while since you had monthly periods, you’re not off the hook. Drought-like lows in estrogen can tamper with your brain’s temperature regulating system, kick-starting a seemingly endless series of hot flashes and night sweats. The cooling news: Eating 1/4 cup of ground flax daily significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats for 66 percent of women in one study. Bonus: It helps ease vaginal dryness within three months, and it can cut your risk of mood swings and depression in half. Flax’s secret: It’s rich in mild, natural plant estrogens that fill in when a woman’s hormone levels dip too low, say researchers. Flax seeds are available whole or pre-ground in health food stores. Just sprinkle them on cereal, yogurt, soups and salads, or add to your favorite smoothie or bread recipes.

Beat Blue Moods With Whole Grains

There are lots of low-carb diets floating around out there, but studies suggest that for women prone to monthly bouts of the blues, these protein-heavy plans can make their emotional turmoil even worse. The problem, say the study authors: Whole grains are packed with the B vitamins, minerals and complex carbs that your brain needs to fire up production of mood-lifting hormones, such as dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin. So slogging along on a low-carb plan means that when your moods start to nose-dive pre-menstrually, your brain can’t produce the hormones it needs to chase away the blues and help you feel upbeat, says Dr.  But enjoy three servings of 100 percent whole grain breads or other carbs daily, and you could cut your risk of blue moods by as much as half.

Banish Menstrual Bloating With Nuts

Menstrual bloating affects about 60 percent of women every month, say  researchers. The reason: Blame a troublesome group of hormones called inflammatory prostaglandins. Monthly ups and downs in estrogen fire up the immune system’s production of these compounds, which then circulate all through your body, signalling your tissues to soak up excess fluids instead of excreting them, says Dr.  However, enjoy half a cup of nuts (any type will do) daily, and you could cut your bloating by as much as half, say researchers. Nuts are packed with alpha-linolenic acid and vitamin E, potent, natural, anti-inflammatories that dial down the formation of prostaglandins, keeping fluid retention lower all month long.

Avoid Acne Flare-ups With Fortified Cereal

At least one in four women battle unsightly acne breakouts during their periods, say dermatologists. The trigger: Cyclical surges in testosterone, a hormone that ramps up oil production and fosters bacterial growth deep in pores. To prevent this problem, try switching to a fortified cereal like Total Raisin Bran or Total Corn Flakes, instead. Each serving contains 15 milligrams of zinc, a mineral that speeds the growth of healthy new skin cells, kills bacteria and helps normalize testosterone production. In fact, adding zinc-fortified foods to your daily diet can help heal breakouts, prevent future flare-ups, clearing skin in as little as three months, say Yale University researchers.

Cure Cramps With Yoghurt

The average woman gets roughly 750 milligrams of calcium in her daily diet -- yet bumping that up to 1,200 milligrams daily could cut the intensity of your menstrual cramps in half within three months, say researchers. How? Inflammatory prostaglandins, the troublemakers that cause menstrual bloating, trigger these painful uterine spasms. But calcium acts as a powerful muscle soother, keeping pelvic muscles relaxed, even when prostaglandins are at their monthly peak, say the study authors. Luckily, a heaping cup of yogurt each day can make up for any shortfall -- it’s packed with 450 milligrams of this essential mineral!

Fight Severe PMS With Fish Oil

Eating eight ounces of fish three times weekly reduces even debilitating monthly mood swings and pain flare-ups (the kind caused by the most severe form of PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder) for up to 68 percent of women, according to researchers  it can also cut the risk of menopause-triggered depression in half. The credit goes to fish’s omega-3 fatty acids. These anti-inflammatory fats dampen production of pain-triggering compounds called prostaglandins, plus they increase your brain levels of antidepressant hormones, so you can weather monthly hormone fluxes symptom-free, explains a Dr. Don’t enjoy fish? Taking 2,000 milligrams of fish oil daily can provide the same symptom-soothing effect.

Prevent Spotting With Soy

Experience regular spotting between periods? According to researchers, one in 10 women do -- and it can make each month feel like an unending period. Thankfully, a study suggests that for premenopausal women struggling with lots of spotting, noshing one ounce of soy nuts (or 1/2 cup edamame) daily can give them four more period-free days every month. The credit goes to soy’s isoflavones. These gentle plant estrogens not only help control the temperature-regulating centre in the brain, they also latch onto cells in the reproductive tract, nourishing the uterine lining and keeping it intact until your period begins.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com