Author Archive: NeedBalance

Long-Term Effects Of Vaccines

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Immediate dangers associated with mandatory vaccines are well documented in medical literature. Reactions range from soreness at the injection site to brain damage and death. However, few serious attempts have been made to discover the long-term effects of injecting foreign proteins and toxic substances into the healthy bodies of innocent infants. In fact, research focusing on possible correlation between vaccines and autoimmune diseases, and neurological-based disorders- multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Gullain-Barre syndrome, cancer, SIDS- is just the beginning. For example, one medical researcher, Dr. Richard Moskowitz, recently concluded that the unnatural process of vaccination could lead to slow viruses developing in the body. These may bring about the far less curable chronic diseases of the present.” He also noted that “these illnesses may be considerably more serious than the original disease, involving deeper structures and more vital organs.” Other researchers have identified an actual “lowering of the body’s resistance resulting from vaccinations.” They warn us about the “probability of wide-spread and unrecognized vaccine-induced immune system malfunction.” They also note that this effect is often delayed, indirect, and masked, its true nature seldom recognized.

The immune System: Several researchers have noted that vaccines nearly “trick” the body into focusing on only one aspect (antibody production) of the many complex and integrated strategies normally available to the immune system. Diseases contracted naturally are ordinarily filtered through a series of immune system defenses. But when the vaccine is injected directly into the child’s blood stream, it gains access to all of the major tissues and organs of the body without the body’s normal advantage of a total immune response. Antibodies (T-lymphocytes) that do respond to the invading vaccine germs become committed to those germs and are unable to react to other challenges to the health of the child.

Genetic Mutation: The polio vaccine contains monkey kidney cell culture and calf serum. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is prepared in chick embryo. Monkey kidney, calf serum, and chick embryo are foreign proteins- biological matter composed of animal cells. Because they are injected directly into the bloodstream, they are able to change our genetic structure.

No one knows the long-term effects of tampering with the genetic codes and delicate structure of the human organism. However, the physical invasion of the human body by foreign genetic material may have the immediate effects of permanently weakening the immune system, setting in motion a new era of autoimmune diseases. The incidence of schizophrenia is on the rise compared to earlier times, and studies now indicate that about one-third of all cases are autoimmune in nature. Some authorities implicate the childhood vaccine programs.

Developmental Disabilities: According to the medical historian, Harris L. Coulter, Ph.D., ” the family and society are both victims of vaccination programs forced on them by the state legislatures that are entirely too responsive to medical opinion and medical organizations.” The entire postwar American generation is suffering from what he call “post-encephalitic syndrome” (PES)-The name he gives to define a variety of vaccine-induced disabilities. To support his assertions, Coulter presented evidence showing that the long-term effects of vaccinations may be more pervasive than suspected. However, disabilities caused by the vaccines are often “disguised” under different names: autism, dyslexia, learning disability, epilepsy, mental retardation, hyperactivity, and minimal brain dysfunction, to name a few. Juvenile delinquency, an unprecedented rise in violent crime, drug abuse, and the collapse of the American school system unable to contend with the estimated 20 to 25 percent of students mentally and emotionally deficient, represent other conditions that may be attributed to the vaccines.

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The Hazards Of Drinking Coffee

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The average American coffee drinker consumes about 3 cups a day. Most adults begin their day with a cup of coffee or tea. Even children get their morning buzz from a can of soda. And unfortunately, most of these beverages, especially coffee, contain caffeine.

Caffeine is a mind-altering drug- possibly the most popular drug in the world. Caffeine obtained from cola nuts, is the main ingredient in coffee, some teas, cocoa, and colas. In addition, more than 1,000 over-the-counter and several hundred prescription drugs contain caffeine. Humans have consumed and abused the use of caffeine for centuries- archaeologist have found evidence of caffeine consumption as early as 2700 BC.

Caffeine directly stimulates the central nervous system. It is absorbed rapidly from the stomach and small intestines and crosses the blood/brain barrier quite readily. (Maximum concentration in the blood occurs within 3o to 60 minutes.) This in turn effects the rest of the body.

Most researchers agree that caffeine can counteract slight changes in performance brought about by boredom, fatigue, or lack of sleep- for a period of time. Caffeine is a drug and, in most cases it acts like an amphetamine, pepping the system up temporarily, and then letting it down.

Caffeine effects most of the organs of the body – it constricts the blood vessels, speed up the heart, and stimulates the brains, stomach, kidneys, ovaries and testes.

Symptoms of excessive caffeine consumption include nervousness, headaches, restlessness, insomnia, nervous tremors, anxiety, heart palpitations, stomachaches, heartburn, diarrhea, frequent urination and depression.

A recent study also found that frequent consumption of cola drinks by children might impair brain and central nervous system development. Another study found that people, who drank as little as two cups of coffee per day, doubled their chances of contracting cancer of pancreas; three cups a day nearly tripled it. Cases of pancreatic cancer have nearly tripled in the past thirty years!

Studies have also linked caffeine consumption with increased heart attacks, cancer of the bladder and urinary tract, ulcers, and other diseases.

Even decaffeinated coffee has unhealthy side effects- most are usually treated with methylene chloride, a cancer-causing substance.

Withdrawal symptoms are common among those who try to quit. Common symptoms include headaches, drowsiness, an inability to concentrate, lethargy, nervousness, and depression. These symptoms can last for up to two weeks or more.

For those who want to kick the caffeine habit altogether, the herb Alfalfa Leaf may be of help. Alfalfa has been proven effective in cases of recuperative drug addiction.

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Aromatherapy 101

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Aromatherapy has long been a craze in America. But do you know what products really work and where to find them?

Sharleen Andrews-Miller, a botanical medicine teacher at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, says aromatherapy products can be used to help against everything from stressful days to sleepless nights. But you must find the right product.

Andrews-Miller says the key is to use pure essential oils, Most companies dilute essential oils with carrier oils, such as almond oil, she says. If these carrier oils are of poor quality, they will diminish the shelf life of the essential oil. Andrews-Miller admits that pure essential oils are expensive and hard to find. “But you need a true essential oil if you want to do therapy and not a perfume,” she says.

Odors from essential oils can modify your brain reactions by affecting the release of certain neurotransmitters (a.k.a. “brain chemicals”) or hormones.

Oils that raise endorphin levels — like rosemary, peppermint, and bergamot — can help you get your energy back. “Oils in the citrus family — like orange, lemon, and grapefruit are also good,” Andrews-Miller adds. These oils tend to give people a feeling similar to a runner’s high. But oils affect different people in different ways. “I have a friend who will smell peppermint and fall asleep,” she says .

The oils that can help you rest include lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and neroli (orange blossom). These oils raise serotonin levels, which tend to induce sleep, Andrews-Miller says. The same thing happens after drinking milk (This is why mom gave you a cup of warm milk before bed).

If you’re looking for an oil that will help you deal with stress, Andrews-Miler recommends the same relaxing oils — especially lavender. “It’s relaxing but not sedating,” she says. So you can use this oil to de-stress at work without worrying about falling asleep at your desk.

Lavender is Andrews-Miller’s favorite oil. “If I only had one essential oil, that would be the one,” she says. Aside from being able to help with stress and insomnia, lavender is also affordable and easy to ?find, unlike most essential oils. Rose oil, for example, which is also a good stress reliever, can cost up to $1 per drop.

Andrews-Miller says the cost of essential oils varies depending on the quality and the source of the plant material. Most citrus oils are relatively inexpensive. Sweet orange, for example, has a retail price of about $4 per ounce.

Lavender runs about $12 per ounce. Neroli (orange blossom), which is considered one of the “gourmet” essential oils, can cost up to $600 per ounce!

“Organic essential oils will be about three times more expensive but are worth it,” she says. Essential oils can be purchased at cheaper, wholesale prices. Andews-Miller recommends The Essential Oil company

After you purchase essential oils, you should know how to use them properly. Andrews-Miller says never use an essential oil directly on your skin without diluting it first. The safest oils to use on the skin are lavender and tea tree. Some oils, like lemon, cedar, and thyme, can cause a burning sensation when applied.

Here are a few guidelines from Andrews-Miller on how to use essential oils:

* If you want to use the oil topically, add about 15 drops for every ounce of oil, lotion, or salve (or whatever you use to dilute the oil). Add less when using more irritating oils.
* If you want to use the oil in your bath, add about 5-10 drops. Add less when using more irritating oils.
* If using a diffuser, add 4 to 6 drops.
* For inhalation, add 3 to 5 drops to a bowl of hot water.

Source: Health.com

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Are You Grilling Salmonella For Your Guests?

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Summer is the perfect time for a barbecue. Who can resist the smell of food cooking on the grill? Did you know that a barbecue could be hazardous to your health?

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an outbreak of Salmonella, a bacterium that causes food poisoning. Each year, approximately 40,000 salmonella- infection cases are reported. Because many milder cases are not diagnosed or disclosed, the CDC estimates that the actual number of infections may be twenty or more times greater. About 1,00 people die every year from salmonella poisoning.

Salmonella contamination often occurs in beef and poultry, especially when served during a barbecue when the weather’s warm. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy healthy outdoor eating:

Shopping for meat
If you’re buying a lot of groceries, make sure that you purchase meat and poultry last. Place packages of raw meat and poultry in plastic bags to prevent them from contaminating other food. When you get home, any meat or poultry that will not be used in a day or two should go immediately into the freezer.

Carrying food
If you’re going to take your food to another location to barbecue, keep it cold while traveling to prevent bacteria from growing. Immediately before leaving put the food into a cooler filled with ice or ice packs. Once you arrive at your destination, keep the cooler in a shady spot. Avoid opening the cooler lid too often so that it stays cold.

Cooking
Although some people prefer rare meat, all meat and poultry should be cooked thoroughly to destroy harmful bacteria. Use food thermometer to make sure that food has reached a safe internal temperature and be sure that your food thermometer touches the center of the meat, The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service advises cooking food to the following internal temperatures:

* Whole poultry 180 degrees
* Poultry breast 170 degrees
* Beef hamburger 160 degrees
* Ground poultry 165 degrees
* Beef, veal and lamb steaks, roast and chops 145 degrees
* All cuts of pork 160 degrees

Serving food
After you’ve handled raw meat or poultry, always thoroughly wash your hands before handling cooked meat. Dr. Bob Bogosian, president of Global Biotechnologies and renowned microbiologist and epidemiologist, advises, wash your hands often as you cook because your hands transfer 85% of all infectious organisms. When taking food off the grill, use clean platter and clean utensils to prevent a food-borne illness. Dr. Bogosian explains, washing and sanitizing items like cutting boards, knives and other food-prep surfaces prevents cross contamination with items that are not cooked, like salads. Don’t pour marinades used for raw meat over cooked food unless you boil it first to kill harmful bacteria.

Make sure your next summer barbecue is an enjoyable experience for your whole family. Take these simple precautions, then relax and enjoy dining alfresco!

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Melatonin May Protect Brain After Stroke

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NEW YORK – Melatonin, the hormone more commonly associated with jet lag and sleep cycles, may help protect the brain after a stroke, according to a new animal study.

Rats who received a dose of melatonin within two hours of a stroke experienced less tissue damage than rats who either received melatonin later or not at all.

Reducing tissue damage after a stroke can cut the overall amount of brain damage and help with recovery, study author Dr. Raymond Tak Fai Cheung said.

If these results apply to humans, melatonin could represent a new treatment for patients to protect the brain against stroke’s potentially life-threatening effects, said Cheung, who is based at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong.

But Cheung cautioned that people should not believe that they are no longer in danger of stroke if they buy melatonin, which is commercially available.

Too many questions remained unanswered, he said, including how best to use the hormone against stroke in humans, and whether it even works in people. Many treatments that are successful in rats and mice never pan out for their human counterparts.

“Therefore, taking the usual oral dosage of melatonin may not affect (a person’s) chance of having a stroke, nor the severity of the stroke, Cheung said.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain when the body is exposed to light.

Previous research has shown the hormone can promote sleep and help regulate the body clock. Because melatonin is believed to help regulate sleep patterns, supplements have been touted as a treatment for sleep problems and jet lag.

Recently, investigators have uncovered evidence that the hormone may also protect the brain from stroke.

To investigate further, Cheung and his colleagues blocked blood flow in an artery feeding the brain — the most common cause of stroke — for three hours in a group of rats.

In one experiment, the researchers injected the rats with a single dose of melatonin either immediately, one hour, or three hours later.

In another experiment, the researchers injected rats with multiple doses of the same amount of melatonin, with the first dose occurring within three hours of stroke onset, and additional doses 24 and 48 hours later.

In the first experiment, Cheung and his colleagues found that one dose of melatonin decreased the amount of brain tissue damaged by stroke when administered immediately or one hour after stroke, but not three hours later.

In the second experiment, the authors found that multiple melatonin injections helped reduce the amount of brain tissue damage after stroke, relative to rats that received injections that did not contain the hormone, but only when the first injection was administered within two hours.

Much of the damage inflicted by stroke results from an overproduction of free radicals, particles that can inflict serious tissue damage, Cheung explained.

Melatonin is a potent scavenger of free radicals, a role that largely explains the hormone’s benefits in treating stroke, Cheung noted. “This is the main reason why melatonin protects the brain against stroke,” he said.

The next step, Cheung noted, is to investigate whether melatonin safely works in humans, and if so, how it should be administered.

“One needs to show that an oral or injectable preparation of melatonin can achieve an effective concentration in the blood of stroke patients, and the dose is safe in stroke patients before one can conduct clinical trials on its efficacy,” he said.

Funding for the current research was provided by the University of Hong Kong.

– Source: Reuters Health

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