health tips

Beta-carotene 's Cancer Risk among Smokers Beta-carotene 's Cancer Risk among Smokers By: Arlene Gentallan         You're not going to like this...         Several studies confirms a strong link between daily intake of beta-carotene supplement among smokers and development of cancer. But, isn't beta-carotene an antioxidant? Aren't antioxidants supposed to protect us against cancer? What is Beta-carotene?         Beta-carotene is an important antioxidant our body needs in order to make Vitamin A which is essential for good eye sight, healthy skin, and functioning immune system.         Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which means your body can store it in your liver where it can accumulate into toxic level over time if your intake is too much.         On the other hand, taking beta-carotene is relatively safe beca...

Magnet Kills Cancer Cells By: Arlene Gentallan Magnet Kills Cancer Cells         Scientists in South Korea devised an extraordinary way to trigger cancer cells to self-destruct. How did they do this? Here's where magnet does amazing tricks.         Our body has an efficient mechanism of getting rid of old or damaged cells. That is, they are programmed to self-destruct (aka. apoptosis) and then be cleared away by the immune system, giving way for new healthy cells to grow.         But in the case of cancer cells, instead of self-destructing, they continue to grow uncontrollably, even when they no longer serve any useful function for the body. What's more, they rapidly multiply in number,  invade normal tissues and organs, and compete for nutrients to sustain their exponential growth. Yeah, sounds like a zombie. You get the point? Here's the trick...      ...

Dengvaxia: Know this Before getting the Shot Dengvaxia: Know this Before getting the Shot By: Arlene Gentallan         Public expressed concern as the French drug maker Sanofi Pasteur announced last November 30, 2017 that the vaccine Dengvaxia isn't as safe as they first claimed it to be.         Dengvaxia, a 20 year undertaking to prevent the mosquito-transmitted disease dengue, can lead an individual to develop a severe form of dengue if they have not yet been previously infected by dengue.         Sanofi clarified that Dengvaxia does not cause dengue infection. Receiving dengvaxia shot will however, increase the chance that an individual will have a severe form of infection should they be infected with dengue for the first time.         Dengue has 4 strains of virus. It is known that a person develops a life-long immunity against a specific strai...

Sweet tooth's Liver Culprit By: Arlene Gentallan Sweet tooth's Liver Culprit         Are ice cream, cakes, chocolate, and candies part of your to do list? Perhaps not...?         Let's take a peek into your liver. Did you know there's a hormone secreted by the liver that makes one vulnerable to the allure of those sweet goodness--it's the FGF21.         A study led by M. Gillum discovered that study participants with gene FGF21 variants are 20% more likely to be top consumers of sweets.         Do remember that too much isn't always good.         The study also revealed that people with variants of FGF21 gene not only has an increased likelihood of being sweet lover, they also have a higher tendency to drink more alcohol and smoke.         Though the study was not able to ...

Anti-diabetic Facts: Oleuropein in Olive stimulates Insulin production By: Arlene Gentallan Anti-diabetic Facts: Oleuropein in Olive stimulates Insulin production Here's a good reason to add olive oil in your diet. A research led by Bin Xu, Ph.D found an important compound in olive that's key in it's anti-diabetic property. Oleuropein in olive leaves stimulates the beta cells of pancreas to produce insulin. Our body needs insulin to transport glucose into cells which in turn will be used as an energy source. This in turn, will lower blood sugar level. Here's another advantage of olive that works in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Did you know that amylin amyloids (protein aggregates) can build up in your pancreas with damaging consequence to insulin-producing beta cells. Oleuropein inhibits amylin amyloids deposition in the pancreas. Facts: The beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas procude and store insulin. Resources: Bin Xu, Ling Wu, Paul ...

Making small, specific goals is key to losing weight long-term � but now can you get motivated now? Check out our favorite, no-fail jump-starts to feeling like your old self (i.e. back into your skinny jeans) ASAP! 1. Build a better breakfast. All meals are important, but breakfast is what helps you start your day on the right track. The best, heartiest breakfasts are ones that will fill you up, keep you satisfied and stave off cravings later in the day. Aim to eat anywhere between 400 and 500 calories for your morning meal, and make sure you're including a source of lean protein plus filling fat (e.g. eggs, beans, unsweetened greek yogurt, nuts or nut butters) and fiber (veggies, fruit or 100% whole-grains). Starting your day with a blood-sugar-stabilizing blend of nutrients will help you slim down without sacrifice. 2. Prioritize real, whole foods. Make sure that everything you're eating is whole � as in nothing processed or packaged. Since salt is a preservative, these are t...

What are the Common causes of Hypokalemia? By: Arlene Gentallan What are the Common causes of Hypokalemia? What is hypokalemia?         Hypokalemia refers to lower than normal levels of potassium in the body. Potassium is an important electrolyte needed to transmit electrical signal need for muscle contraction.         Normal potassium level is between 3.5 to 5.0 meq/L. When potassium level drops below normal, it is called hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is not a disease, rather, it is a sign of an underlying disease. Hypokalemia (low potassium level) can result to symptoms such as: Muscle cramps Muscle twitching Muscle tingling Muscle weakness Abdominal cramps Constipation Confusion Irregular heart beat          If potassium level drops to a critical level, it can cause abnormal heart rhythm and compromise the pumping of the heart leading to heart cardiac arrest. What are the causes o...