Health benefits of anise/ fennel seeds( saunf)

Health benefits of anise

• Exotic anise spice contains some of the important plants derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties.
• The chief component that gives the characteristic sweet, aromatic flavor to anise is anethole, the essential volatile oil present in the seeds. Other important compounds found in these seeds includeestragol, p-anisaldehyde, anise alcohol, acetophenone, pinene and limonene.
• Anise seed oil obtained from extraction of the seeds is found application in many traditional medicines asstomachic, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, stimulant and tonic.
• The seeds are an excellent source of many essential B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. Pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) helps increase GABA neuro-chemical levels in the brain.
• The spicy seeds are the great source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. 100 g dry seeds contain 36.96 mg or 462% daily required levels of iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
• Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome C-oxidase and superoxide dismutase(other minerals function as cofactors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Copper is also required in the production of red blood cells.
• The spice also contains good amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A.
  
  

  Medicinal use

  Anise seed as well its oil have found application in many traditional medicines for their distinctive health promoting and disease preventing roles.
  • Anise preparations are an excellent remedy for asthma, bronchitis cough as well as digestive disorders such as flatulence, bloating, colicky stomach pain, nausea and indigestion.
  • The essential oil comprises 75 - 90% anethole, which has an observed estrogenic effect. The decoction obtained from the seeds oftentimes is prescribed in the nursing mothers to promote breast-milk production.
  • Anise seed water is very helpful in relieving running nose condition in infants.
• The seeds are chewed after a meal in India to refresh the breath.

Culinary uses

Anise seeds, oil as well as fresh young leaves are used in cooking. The flavor is heightened by dry-frying the seeds. Anise is used in savory and sweet dishes to which it imparts sweet-aromatic flavor to variety of cuisines. The whole seeds and often-times freshly grounded powder added to the recipes at the last moment to limit the evaporation of essential volatile oils in them.

• This delicate spice is being used as flavoring base for soups, sauces, breads, cakes, biscuits and confectionary.
• Popular aniseed flavor drinks include prenod, french pastis, spanish ojen etc.
• Anise seeds as well as its oil have been in use in the preparation of sweet dishes in many Asian countries.
• It is used as a flavoring base in the preparation of herbal tea; and a liquor called anisette.
  
  
  
  
  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

EASY RELAXING METHOD

EASY RELAXING METHOD!!!

Begin your relaxing ten minute hand reflexology treatment by pinching the tips of each finger and thumb of your right hand. Reverse and repeat this process on your left hand. The pressure applied to your fingers should be firm, but not painful. A few seconds for each finger tip will do.

1. After pinching the tops and bottoms of your finger and thumb tips go back to each tip and pinch them again, this time squeezing from side to side. Again, apply pressure, a little discomfort is okay. But, it is important not to inflict pain on yourself.

2. Combine steps 3 and 4 rubbing the tops and bottoms (above photo) and also rubbing the sides (step 4 photo) of each finger and thumb. Vigorously rub back and forth from the base to the tip.

3. Combine steps 3 and 4 rubbing the tops and bottoms (step 3 photo) and also rubbing the sides (above photo) of each finger and thumb. Vigorously rub back and forth from the base to the tip.

5. Grasp each finger (and thumb) at its base and tug firmly. Allow your grip to loosen slightly, graduating it from the base to the finger tip until your finger slips out of your grasp completely.

6. Using your thumb and forefinger firmly grasp the webbed area between your thumb and and forefinger of your other hand. Keeping a firm hold, tug at the skin gently until the fleshy web snaps away from your grasp. Repeat this process for the webbed-tween areas on all your fingers.

7. Rest the palm of your hand inside the palm of your free hand. Use your thumb to massage the back of your hand. Leisurely manipulate the knuckles and inbetween knuckle area first. Continue thumb massaging each area on the back of the hand.

8. Gently cradle your wrist inside your free hand. Use your thumb to massage your inner wrist. This is an espcially soothing massage for anyone who routinely uses their wrists in repetitive movements (i.e. computer mousing).

9. Massage the palm of your hand with your thumb. Alternately you can use your knuckle to massage the fleshier mound areas more deeply.

10. At the end of your session press your thumb deeply in the center of your palm. Take a few cleansing breaths and center your being.

This is a opportune moment to relax, clear your mind, and focus on your healing intentions.

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

Musical training may change your brain !

Intense musical training triggers new processes within the brain which can impact creativity, cognition and learning, new research has found.

The studies show that extensive musical training affects the structure and function of different brain regions, how those regions communicate during the creation of music, and how the brain interprets and integrates sensory information.

The findings, presented at Neuroscience 2013,  suggest potential new roles for musical training including fostering plasticity in the brain, an alternative tool in education, and treating a range of learning disabilities.

According to one study, long-term high level musical training has a broader impact than previously thought.

Researchers found that musicians have an enhanced ability to integrate sensory information from hearing, touch, and sight.

Another study found that the age at which musical training begins affects brain anatomy as an adult; beginning training before the age of seven has the greatest impact.

In a third study, researchers found that brain circuits involved in musical improvisation are shaped by systematic training, leading to less reliance on working memory and more extensive connectivity within the brain.

Some of the brain changes that occur with musical training reflect the automation of task and the acquisition of highly specific sensorimotor and cognitive skills required for various aspects of musical expertise.

"Playing a musical instrument is a multi sensory and motor experience that creates emotions and motions from finger tapping to dancing and engages pleasure and reward systems in the brain. It has the potential to change brain function and structure when done over a long period of time," said  an expert on music, neuroimaging and brain plasticity.

"As today's findings show, intense musical training generates new processes within the brain, at different stages of life, and with a range of impacts on creativity, cognition, and learning," he 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

Home Remedies for Chapped Lips

Chapped lips may appear dry, red, cracked, flaky, and sore. This condition not just fades away your smile but also makes it difficult for you to talk and eat.

There can be many causes of this condition, we are going to tell you about a few. Usually people are likely to have chapped lips because of the dry climate. If your body lacks some of the vital nutrients it can also cause this problem. Dehydration is also one of the factors that contribute to the problem. Excessive smoking and even excessive licking can cause the problem. Sometimes bacterial infections cause your lips to get chapped.

Here are some of the best remedies for chapped lips:

Honey
One of the best known moisturiser is honey. Honey has some anti-bacterial properties beneficial for treating chapped lips. Apply the sweet tasting, pure honey on your lips 3 times a day, especially before bedtime. Honey not only heals dry cracked lips but also restore their natural moisture. Try this remedy for several days to get soft smooth lips. When a few drops are added to a teaspoon of honey and applied to the lips before bedtime, it can fix the problem of dryness.

Coconut Oil

You always hear that coconut oil is good for your hair, but do you know that it can work wonders for your lips too? Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser which can soften dry lips, especially if climatic conditions are its cause. Whenever you feel your lips getting dry apply a few drops of coconut oil on your lips. If you do not have coconut oil in your home you can substitute it with mustard oil or olive oil.

Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera is a natural moisturiser which can not only moisturise your skin but also moisturizes your chapped lips. It will make your lips soft, smooth, heal the cracks, and would also relieve the pain. Just apply some of its juice on your lips twice a day. Do not try to lick your lips as it may leave a bitter taste in your mouth. This remedy is best for those who have a habit of licking their lips, as it will stop them from excessive licking.

Butter or Cream
Milk cream or butter have a high content of fat, which act as a natural moisturiser for the lips. Apply some butter or cream on your dry lips for at least 10 to 15 minutes and wash with warm water afterwards. Both can heal the lips by restoring their natural moisture and by removing the deal cells.

Rose Petals
For soft, rosy lips take the help of rose flower. Rose petals can treat chapped lips effectively and also makes them pink. Just take a few petals, keep them soaked in some milk for a night. In the morning blend these petals and milk to make a thin paste, keep this paste in a jar and refrigerate. Apply it thrice a day, especially before bedtime. Use this paste within a week. You can also substitute milk with glycerine or you can use a mixture of 1 teaspoon rose water and 1 teaspoon glycerine, 3 times a day.

Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and therefore serves as a perfect moisturizer for your skin and lips. Apply a few drops of almond oil on your lips every time you feel your lips are getting dry.

Cucumber
You can treat your chapped lips not just by eating cucumbers but also by applying it to them. Cucumber contains 95% of water which helps to keep you hydrated. So sore lips because of dehydration can be treated by consuming cucumbers. Also what you can do to heal your dry lips is that take a slice of cucumber and rub it on your lips, repeat this process 3 times a day. You can also use cucumber juice instead of its slices.

Besides following these remedies also follow the following guidelines:

1. Avoid licking the lips excessively.
2. Keep yourself hydrated by consuming at least 8 glasses of water. Take 2 glasses of water empty stomach early in the morning.
3. During the dry season keep your lips coated with a petroleum jelly.
4. Avoid hot and spicy foods when you have chapped lips as it can double the trouble.
5. Also protect your lips from the UV rays, for that you can use a lip balm containing sunscreen.
6. Also make sure you get the daily supply of essential vitamins.

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

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is an ages old spice that is being used for the past 4000 years in Southeast Asia, initially as a dye for holy robes. Even today there is hardly any Indian dish that is completed without adding turmeric to it. It is cultivated in tropical regions. It is a relative of ginger and has a bitter taste and mild fragrance.

Due to its deep orange-yellow colour the spice is also known as, “Indian Saffron”; although the two shouldn’t be confused as both vary in tastes and benefits. The name turmeric is derived from Latin word Terra Merita meaning “Meritorious Earth”. Other common names are yellow root, haldi, haridra and jiang huang. Its botanical names are Curcuma Longa and Curcuma Domestica.

It is amazing how some commonly found spice on kitchen shelves could have so many health benefits. Natalie Kling from Natural Healing Institute of Neuropathy says, “As an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic, it’s a very powerful plant”.

It is one of the best health supplements and is undoubtedly a gift of nature as something so inexpensive has benefits, so worthwhile. It is one of the cheapest spices worldwide.

Turmeric plant in botanical gardens, Singapore

Besides the fact that it adds flavour to the curries, it has proven to be highly beneficial as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and has been used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Here are some key benefits of the herb:

• Currently it is being used in beauty products and has been able to cure many skin related problems. To avoid skin pigmentation or to gain even skin tone, mix a pinch of turmeric powder with cucumber and lemon juice and apply it to face for some time and wash it off. A frequent use of this mixture can give a perfect glow to your face
• If your hand or any other part of your body is burned accidentally, take a teaspoon of turmeric powder and add to aloe gel, apply it to the burned area. It is the best, quickest and easy remedy for all kinds of burns
• For minor cuts and bruises a turmeric paste can help heal the skin quickly. For bumps the paste can act as an ice pack and reduce swelling
• A glass of hot turmeric milk is helpful in healing bones that have been fractured and also act as a pain killer
• It helps cure gum and throat infections. For those who have gum infections a mixture of turmeric, mustard oil and rock salt can prove very beneficial, if applied to the affected area twice or thrice a day. Use warm water to wash your mouth after application. For throat infections use a spoonful of turmeric mixed in hot milk and drink, it will soothe your throat and help cure the infection as well
• Throw away all those expensive creams for reducing stretch marks, just apply a mixture of turmeric with yoghurt and apply it to the abdomen for 5 minutes. It will help the skin maintain its elasticity and you will notice a visible difference
• Turmeric contains an essential component called Curcumin; recent studies by the doctors conducted at UCLA proved that Curcumin helps cure Cancer by blocking the enzymes that promote growth of malignant cells of head, neck and breast. Further, a decrease in the size of brain tumours by 81% in animals has also been noticed by (replace: with) the use of Curcumin
• Turmeric provides protection against diseases like Alzheimer’s. Studies show a very low rate of neurological diseases in elderly people in India due to a regular intake of the spice
• For anaemic patients a teaspoon turmeric and honey can prove to be beneficial
• Diarrhoea can also be cured if turmeric powder is taken mixed with water
• Turmeric prevents the negative effects of processed foods and even help cure smoking hazards
• It protects DNA from damaging pollutants and therefore helps to prevent leukaemia
• Can’t get rid of acne? You may have tried various products, a cheap and easy remedy is: mix some turmeric with sandalwood powder and make a paste with water and apply on face
• According to a Dr., turmeric serves as the most powerful anti-inflammatory. He conducted a study on rats injected with rheumatoid arthritis and found turmeric helpful in reducing the symptoms
• Turmeric helps to reduce gas in people having indigestion; also it helps in production of bile by stimulating the gallbladder and helps detoxify the liver
• Uveitis, a disease in which inflammation of the iris of the eye occurs, is curable with Curcumin found in turmeric
• It reduces the risk of heart diseases such as atherosclerosis. Studies have proven a reduction in bad cholesterol and blood clots along the walls of the arteries, by the use of turmeric
• A study conducted in Thailand published by a journal called Diabetes Care, proved that Curcumin found in turmeric helped cure diabetes in adults having pre-diabetes symptoms
• The drug has also been found useful in curing depression and maintaining body weight

Such a magical spice should be made a part of the daily diet. There are various ways it can be used in cooked foods and salads. For those who can’t get used to its taste pills of 200-250 mg are also available at health food stores.

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

Papaya For Uric Acid/Gout Problem

First boil at least 3 liters of water, wash properly a green papaya of medium size, slice and remove the seeds, then cut into small cubes then place into the water and bring to boil, then add tea leaves (oolong) or green tea at least 5 bags similar to the tea making process. This is very effective for treatment of GOUT/URIC ACID. Frequently drinking this formula will heal the pain you've been suffering. Important point, skin of the papaya should be included !

Super Foods For Strong Bones

MILK
Calcium is the cornerstone of strong bones. Adults up to age 50 need 1,000 milligrams per day. Beginning at age 51, women need 1,200 milligrams every day, and when men hit 71, they need to hit that mark, too. The pop star of calcium sources is undoubtedly milk. A single 8-ounce cup of milk, whether skim, low-fat, or whole, has 300 milligrams of calcium.

Yoghurt and Cheese
Not a milk drinker? A cup of yoghurt has at least as much calcium as an 8-ounce cup of milk. And 1 ounce of Swiss cheese has nearly as much. Even if you're lactose intolerant, yogurt and hard cheeses are low in lactose. Or try dairy products that are lactose-reduced or lactose-free. Removing lactose from milk and dairy foods does not affect the calcium content.

Sardines
Milk and dairy products are not the only ways to get calcium. Another excellent source is sardines. All those little fish bones have just what you need to build bone mass in your own body. Eating 3 ounces of canned sardines delivers a little more calcium than a cup of milk.

Dark Green Vegetables
You might be surprised to learn that calcium is plentiful in many vegetables. Go for dark leafy greens such as bok choy , Chinese cabbage, and kale. The traditional soul food favorites, collard and turnip greens, offer a lot of calcium, too. One cup of chopped, cooked turnip greens has about 200 milligrams of calcium.

Fortified Foods
If dairy products, sardines, and leafy greens leave you cold, consider eating fortified foods. These are products that do not naturally contain calcium but have been enhanced with varying amounts of the essential mineral. Breakfast foods are a great start -- fortified orange juice has up to 240 milligrams of calcium, and fortified cereals deliver up to 1,000 milligrams per cup. Check the nutritional label for the exact amount.

Calcium Supplements
Supplements are an easy way to boost your calcium intake, but some reports suggest you may not need them. If you're already getting enough calcium from food, taking more in pill form won't contribute to bone health. Experts say there's little benefit in getting more than 2,000 milligrams of calcium per day, and too much can lead to kidney stones. For the best absorption, take no more than 500 milligrams at one time. Some calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate, are better absorbed if taken with meals; however, calcium citrate can be taken anytime.

Soy Foods
Half a cup of calcium-enriched tofu contains as much as 861 milligrams of calcium, but calcium is not the only mineral that gives bones a leg up. New research suggests plant-based chemicals called isoflavones strengthen bone density as well. Isoflavones are plentiful in soy foods, such as tofu, and appear to have an estrogen-like effect on the body. This may make soy useful in warding off bone disease in post-menopausal women.

Salmon
Salmon and other types of fatty fish offer an array of bone-boosting nutrients. They contain calcium as well as vitamin D, which assists in calcium absorption. They're also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements have been shown to reduce bone loss in elderly women and may prevent osteoporosis.

Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds can bolster bone health in several ways. Walnuts and flax-seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Peanuts and almonds contain potassium, which protects against the loss of calcium in urine. Nuts also contain protein and other nutrients that play a supportive role in building strong bones.

Less Salt
Salt is a major culprit in depriving the body of calcium. The more salt you eat, the more calcium gets carried away by urine. Sticking to a low-salt diet can help you keep more calcium to strengthen your bones.

Sunshine
OK, sunshine is not a food. But the body produces vitamin D in response to sunlight. Without vitamin D, our bodies cannot properly absorb the calcium in foods. Cloudy weather, a northern latitude, and darker skin can interfere. So some people may choose a vitamin D supplement. The recommended dietary intake is 600 IU a day for most adults, jumping to 800 IU above age 70.


Weight-Bearing Exercise

To get the most out of your bone-boosting diet, you’ll want to do regular weight-bearing exercise. This includes any activity that uses the weight of your body or outside weights to stress the bones and muscles. The result is that your body lays down more bone material, and your bones become denser. Brisk walking, dancing, tennis, and yoga have all been shown to benefit your bones.

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

Do Medications Affect The Bones?

If you have osteoporosis, or are at risk for it, you want to do all you can to keep your bones as strong as possible. Besides following your doctor's advice on diet and exercise, you should know that some medications are bone-friendly -- and others may have side effects that affect the bones.

Some medications prescribed for common health problems, such as heartburn or depression, could affect your bone health.

"That doesn't necessarily mean you should stop them," says a Dr.

Rather, "it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons: the benefits of the medicine against the effect on the bones," he says.

The benefits of a drug may outweigh the risks. Or your doctor may prescribe a ''bone-maintenance" drug to offset the risk, he says.

Corticosteroid Drugs and Bone Health

This type of steroid drug helps curb inflammation. Doctors prescribe them for conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and ulcerative colitis.

Some examples include:

• cortisone (Cortone)
• prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, Prednicot)

These steroids hamper bone formation and increase bone resorption, which can make a fracture more likely, notes  endocrinologist Ann Kearns, MD, a consultant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

However, she says, some people need these drugs. And the ''short-term risk is not a big deal for most people," Rosen says.

How you take the drugs may also matter. Pills or shots are the most powerful, but those you inhale or put on your skin are "less concerning," Kearns says.

Anti-Cancer Drugs and Bone Health

If you've had breast cancer and are taking certain drugs that affect your bones, your doctor should monitor your bone density and may prescribe a bone-maintenance drug.

Some breast cancer patients take a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. These drugs include:

• anastrozole (Arimidex)
• exemestane (Aromasin)
• letrozole (Femara)

These drugs target a substance your body makes called aromatase. That leads to lower estrogen levels, which can dim estrogen-fuelled cancers.

That's good news for your cancer, but lowering your estrogen levels can be bad for your bones, since estrogen stops bone resorption. That's why doctors often prescribe improved lifestyle changes such as exercise, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and bone-maintenance drugs to women who are taking the aromatase inhibitors. 

Men who have been treated for prostate cancer are sometimes prescribed anti-androgen therapy. Examples of these drugs include bicalutamide (Casodex), flutamide (Eulexin), and nilutamide (Nilandron).

These drugs block the action of the hormone testosterone, usually slowing prostate cancer growth. However, these medications can decrease bones' density and increase fracture risk, so doctors may prescribe changes in lifestyle such as exercise, smoking cessation, reduced caffeine intake, and a bone-maintenance drug.

Antidepressant Drugs and Bone Health

Some drugs used to treat depression, known as SSRIs, may affect your bones. Examples of SSRIs include:

• citalopram (Celexa)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• sertraline (Zoloft)

That's not to say you shouldn't take them. When weighing risks and benefits, Dr. says to remember that depression itself has been linked with poor bone health.

However, most studies looking at the effects of SSRIs on bone health have found a greater chance of fractures in people taking drugs, he says.

One study, for instance, found those currently taking the SSRI antidepressants were more than twice as likely to have a fracture not in their spine than those not taking an SSRI. Another study of women with a history of depression showed lower bone density in those who had taken  SSRIs  than those who didn't take the drugs.

His advice: Ask your doctor  each time they refill the antidepressant prescription: "Is this still the right drug?" "Is this the right dose?" Make sure the doctor prescribing your antidepressant knows about your bone health concerns, and consider asking about how much calcium and vitamin D you need.

GERD Drugs and Bone Health

If you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), your stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. You may be taking a type of drug called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which may or may not require a prescription.  PPIs include:

• esomeprazole (Nexium)
• lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid)

Over-the-counter PPIs include versions of Prevacid 24HR, Prilosec OTC, and Zegerid OTC.

In 2010, the FDA warned that taking high doses of PPIs for a long time may make fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine more likely. The FDA ordered a labelling change on the medicines to note the risk.

Other drugs, called H2 blockers, curb the production of stomach acid. H2 blockers include:

• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• famotidine (Calmicid, Fluxid, Mylanta AR, Pepcid)
• ranitidine (Tritec, Zantac)

These drugs may be more bone-friendly, according to him, but that's not certain yet.

Diabetes Drugs and Your Bones

Many recent studies have shown that a kind of diabetes drugs known as thiazolidinediones have a negative effect on the bones. Examples of these drugs include:

• pioglitazone (Actos)
• rosiglitazone (Avandia)

There are other types of diabetes drugs, so that may be something for you and your doctor to consider when you're going over all your medications.

Bone-Maintenance Drugs

Bisphosphonates are a type of osteoporosis drug. They include:

• alendronate (Binosto, Fosamax)
• ibandronate (Boniva)
• risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia)
• zoledronic acid (Reclast)

Some studies linked their long-term use to a greater chance of an uncommon fracture of the thigh bone.

If someone who's been taking a bisphosphonate for a long time has that rare type of thigh bone fracture, their doctor should switch them to another type of osteoporosis drug, Dr. says.

The following drugs are among the alternatives to bisphosphonates for either treating or preventing osteoporosis:

• calcitonin (Miacalcin)
• denosumab (Prolia). This is a biologic drug that slows bone loss.
• raloxifene (Evista)
• teriparatide (Forteo). This is a type of parathyroid hormone that increases bone formation.
• Hormone replacement therapy

If you've been taking a bisphosphonate for five years, Dr. says your doctor may check to see whether you should continue, stop, or switch to another bone-maintenance drug.

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

Maternal exercise benefits newborn brain development

Though pregnant women are advised to consult their doctor before beginning an exercise program, researchers  have found that expectant mothers who exercise at least 20 minutes three times per week could be giving their child a head-start, cerebrally speaking.

"Our research indicates that exercise during pregnancy enhances the newborn child's brain development," says a  Prof. 

He notes that comparable results have been found in animal studies, but theirs is the first trial in humans to show the link between exercise during pregnancy and benefits for the brains of newborns.

Prof. , who also helped conduct the research, notes: "Given that exercise has been demonstrated to be beneficial for the adult's brain, we hypothesized that it could also be beneficial for the unborn child through the mother's actions."

To conduct their research, the team randomly assigned women starting at the beginning of their second trimester to either an exercise group or a sedentary group.

The women in the exercise group completed at least 20 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise that resulted in at least a slight shortness of breath three times per week, while the women in the sedentary group did not exercise.

'Mature cerebral activation'

After the births of the newborns, the researchers analysed their brain activity between the ages of 8 to 12 days. They used electroencephalography, allowing them to record the electrical activity of the newborns' brains.

The team placed 124 soft electrodes on each infant's head and then waited for each baby to fall asleep in his or her mother's lap, after which they measured "auditory memory" via the brain's "unconscious response" to both repeated and new sounds.

other researches who also conducted the research, reveals their findings: "Our results show that the babies born from the mothers who were physically active have a more mature cerebral activation, suggesting that their brains developed more rapidly."

The researchers note that although in the recent past, obstetricians told pregnant women to mostly rest for 9 months, it is now commonly known that inactivity can create health risks.

"While being sedentary increases the risks of suffering complications during pregnancy," says Prof. "being active can ease post-partum recovery, make pregnancy more comfortable and reduce the risk of obesity in the children."

Hopes for public health interventions

Prof. says he hopes their results will "guide public health interventions and research on brain plasticity." He adds that they are "optimistic that this will encourage women to change their health habits, given that the simple act of exercising during pregnancy could make a difference for their child's future."

He told Medical News Today that the "advanced cerebral maturation" the researchers observed in newborns of active mothers "could imply that babies acquire speech more rapidly, and the same could be true for their motor development." He noted that this could also help with their "intellectual and social development"

The team is continuing to assess the children's cognitive, motor and language development at 1-year-old, in order to determine if these brain differences remain over longer periods of time.

Mothers who exercise will gain additional benefits, as it was recently reported that new findings revealed exercise may ward off Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. 

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