Signs of an Ulcer
Peptic Ulcer Disease Signs & Symptoms | Gastric vs. Duodenal Ulcers
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a disease involving ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa, often involving the stomach (gastric ulcers) and the first part of the small intestine – duodenum (duodenal ulcers). PUD can be caused by a variety of causes, of which infection with helicobacter pylori and chronic use of NSAIDs are the most common causes. The ulceration can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, which slightly differ between gastric and duodenal ulcers. In this lesson, we discuss these signs and symptoms, including why they occur, when they occur, and what makes them better and worse. We also discuss some complications of peptic ulcer disease, including warning/alarm symptoms.
STOP Drinking Tea Until You Watch This-Dr. Eric Berg
Many people drink tea on a daily basis. But, there are three things you need to know if you’re a tea drinker.
Three important things to know about tea:
1. Certain teas are high in tannins
• Tannins bind iron, zinc, and calcium
• Tannins block the absorption of vitamin B1 (a B1 deficiency may cause anxiety)
2. Certain teas are loaded with heavy metals (aluminum, lead, and arsenic)
• Teas from China may have higher amounts of heavy metals and pesticides
3. Certain tea bags are bleached with chlorine
• The chemical used (epichlorohydrin) is a carcinogen
You don’t need to stop drinking tea altogether. You just need to do a few simple things first, including:
1. Ensuring your tea is organic
2. Taking vitamin B1 and minerals
3. Buying loose leaf tea or making sure your tea bags are bleach-free
4. Researching your tea and finding out where your tea comes from
Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.
Storing Potatoes Long Term
The story of aflatoxin and the effective solution
Aflatoxins
What are aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. The main fungi that produce aflatoxins are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are abundant in warm and humid regions of the world. Aflatoxin-producing fungi can contaminate crops in the field, at harvest, and during storage.
How are people exposed
to aflatoxins?
People can be exposed to aflatoxins by eating contaminated plant products (such as peanuts) or by consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed. Farmers and other agricultural workers may be exposed by inhaling dust generated during the handling and processing of contaminated crops and feeds.
Which cancers are associated with
exposure to aflatoxins?
Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer.
How can aflatoxin exposure
be reduced?
You can reduce your aflatoxin exposure by buying only major commercial brands of nuts and nut butters and by discarding nuts that look moldy, discolored, or shriveled. To help minimize risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests foods that may contain aflatoxins, such as peanuts and peanut butter. To date, no outbreak of human illness caused by aflatoxins has been reported in the United States, but such outbreaks have occurred in some developing countries.
Sweet potato Benefits
Sweetpotato Nutrition
Don’t let their sweet nature fool you! Sweetpotato nutrition is off the charts, making sweetpotatoes a wholesome option for children, adults, diabetics and anyone interested in improving their health.Today, sweetpotatoes are used in cuisines all over the world as a satisfying and versatile vegetable with a well-earned reputation for nutrition. Many are surprised to find that the calories in sweetpotatoes are surprisingly low. A medium sweetpotato is about 100 calories when baked in the skin, making sweetpotatoes an ideal food for weight management.Sweetpotatoes carbs may have a bad rep, but these taters are made of complex carbohydrates (a.k.a. energy) which are released at a steady pace for a constant source of vitality
Sweetpotato Benefits
1. Highly Nutritious
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One cup (200 grams) of baked sweet potato with skin provides (2Trusted Source):
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 41.4 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Fiber: 6.6 grams
- Vitamin A: 769% of the
Daily Value (DV) - Vitamin C: 65% of the DV
- Manganese: 50% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV
- Potassium: 27% of the DV
- Pantothenic acid: 18% of the DV
- Copper: 16% of the DV
- Niacin: 15% of the DV
In addition, sweet potatoes — especially the orange and purple varieties — are rich in antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage DNA and trigger inflammation.Free radical damage has been linked to chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and aging. Therefore, eating antioxidant-rich foods is good for your health.
2. Promote Gut Health
The fiber and antioxidants in sweet potatoes are advantageous to gut health.Sweet potatoes contain two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble (8Trusted Source).
Your body cannot digest either type. Therefore, fiber stays within your digestive tract and provides a variety of gut-related health benefits.
Certain types of soluble fiber — known as viscous fibers — absorb water and soften your stool. On the other hand, non-viscous, insoluble fibers don’t absorb water and add bulk (9Trusted Source).
Some soluble and insoluble fibers can also be fermented by the bacteria in your colon, creating compounds called short-chain fatty acids that fuel the cells of your intestinal lining and keep them healthy and strong (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
Fiber-rich diets containing 20–33 grams per day have been linked to a lower risk of colon cancer and more regular bowel movements (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
The antioxidants in sweet potatoes may provide gut benefits as well.
Test-tube studies have found that antioxidants in purple sweet potatoes promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, including certain Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).
Greater amounts of these types of bacteria within the intestines are associated with better gut health and a lower risk of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and infectious diarrhea (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
3. May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
Sweet potatoes offer various antioxidants, which may help protect against certain types of cancers.
Anthocyanins — a group of antioxidants found in purple sweet potatoes — have been found to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells in test-tube studies, including those of the bladder, colon, stomach, and breast (3Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
Similarly, mice fed diets rich in purple sweet potatoes showed lower rates of early-stage colon cancer — suggesting that the anthocyanins in the potatoes may have a protective effect (3Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).
Extracts of orange sweet potatoes and sweet potato peels have also been found to have anti-cancer properties in test-tube studies (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
However, studies have yet to test these effects in humans.
4. Support Healthy Vision
Sweet potatoes are incredibly rich in beta-carotene, the antioxidant responsible for the vegetable’s bright orange color.
In fact, one cup (200 grams) of baked orange sweet potato with skin provides more than seven times the amount of beta-carotene that the average adult needs per day (2Trusted Source).
Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in your body and used to form light-detecting receptors inside your eyes (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).
Severe vitamin A deficiency is a concern in developing countries and can lead to a special type of blindness known as xerophthalmia. Eating foods rich in beta-carotene, such as orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, may help prevent this condition (27Trusted Source).
Purple sweet potatoes also seem to have vision benefits.
Test-tube studies have found that the anthocyanins they provide can protect eye cells from damage, which may be significant to overall eye health (28Trusted Source).
5. May Enhance Brain Function
Consuming purple sweet potatoes may improve brain function.
Animal studies have found that the anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes can protect the brain by reducing inflammation and preventing free radical damage (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
Supplementing with anthocyanin-rich sweet potato extract has been shown to improve learning and memory in mice, possibly due to its antioxidant properties (32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
No studies have been done to test these effects in humans, but in general, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants are associated with a 13% lower risk of mental decline and dementia (34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source).
6. May Support Your Immune System
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene, a plant-based compound that is converted to vitamin A in your body (36Trusted Source).
Vitamin A is critical to a healthy immune system, and low blood levels have been linked to reduced immunity (37Trusted Source, 38Trusted Source).
It’s also key for maintaining healthy mucous membranes, especially in the lining of your gut.
The gut is where your body is exposed to many potential disease-causing pathogens. Therefore, a healthy gut is an important part of a healthy immune system.
Studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency increases gut inflammation and reduces the ability of your immune system to respond properly to potential threats (39Trusted Source).
No studies have been conducted to determine whether sweet potatoes, in particular, have an effect on immunity, but eating them regularly can help prevent vitamin A deficiency (40Trusted Source).
Sweet Potato Side Effect
- May Lead to Stones. Sweet potatoes have a high oxalate content. …
- Vitamin A Toxicity. They are a rich source of vitamin A. …
- Kidney Failure. If you are struggling with liver or kidney issues then you should probably avoid eating them. …
- Heart Problems. …
- Stomach Problems. …
- Blood Sugar Issues.
The benefits of oregano oil
Oregano is a herb from the mint, or Lamiaceae family. People have used it for thousands of years to add flavor to dishes and to treat health conditions. It features in the Mediterranean diet.
The Greeks and Romans associated oregano with joy and happiness. The name comes from the Greek words “oros,” meaning mountain, and “ganos,” meaning joy.
There are different types of oregano. The most common type is Oregano vulgare, also known as Spanish thyme and wild marjoram.
People use oregano in the diet as supplements and as an aromatic oil.
The antioxidants thymol, carvacrol, limonene, terpinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene give the herbTrusted Source its flavor and scent. They also contribute to the health benefits of oregano oil. Oregano provides other antioxidants when people consume it in the diet.
Oregano, or Origanum vulgare, is a small, bushy plant that belongs to the mint family. It is a familiar culinary herb in Italian dishes.
Oregano oil contains high levels of important compounds in its leaves and smaller stems. Oil manufacturers dry the leaves and stems, then steam-distill the plant matter to extract as many compounds as possible.
Oregano oil contains:
- carvacrol, the main active compound in oregano oil and a type of antioxidant called a phenol
- thymol, which may help protect against toxins and fight fungal infections
While oregano oil contains a significant amount, the compound thymol occurs most abundantly in thyme.
10 benefits
Oregano oil may have the following health benefits:
1. Fighting bacteria
Thanks to the high levels of carvacrol, oregano oil may help fight certain types of bacteria.
For instance, Staphylococcus is a common type of bacteria that causes staph infection. Some strains occur naturally in the body, but when the bacteria grow too quickly, it can cause bothersome symptoms.
ResearchTrusted Source shows that carvacrol is effective in eliminating the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two common causes of infection.
Taking oregano oil supplements or rubbing it on the skin may help a person make use of these antibacterial effects.
Researchers are also exploring the use of oregano oil for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The authors of a study in Frontiers in MicrobiologyTrusted Sourcefound that a combination of oregano oil and silver nanoparticles effectively eliminated all the bacteria they tested.
2. Treating small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Oregano oil may help treat chronic bacterial issues, such as SIBO. People with SIBO experience gastrointestinal problems due to an overgrowth of certain bacteria in their intestines.
A 2014 studyTrusted Source found that herbal remedies, including one that contained high levels of both carvacrol and thymol, were effective tools in treating SIBO.
Exploring the individual effects of each compound will require more research, but these initial findings may be promising.
3. Treating fungal infections
Oregano oil also appears to be a potent antifungal agent thanks to high levels of thymol.
Research from 2015Trusted Source found thymol to be an effective treatment for common Candida fungal infections.
Candida causes several types of infections, including:
- oral thrush
- yeast infections
- infected toenails or fingernails
- athlete’s foot
The research was conducted in test tubes, however, and determining oregano oil’s effectiveness will require more studies in humans.
4. Providing antioxidants
Oregano oil is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals.
Oxidative stress may lead to increased DNA damage and cell deathTrusted Source. Oxidation may also play a role in other issues, such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, and some cancers.
Thymol and carvacrol are powerful antioxidants that may help reduce oxidation. The researchers suggested that further studies explore safe doses for regular use.
5. Reducing inflammation
Some sources claim that oregano oil may help reduce inflammation. The compound carvacrol shows anti-inflammatory effects in both animal models and in vitro studies.
Research from 2017Trusted Source looked at a variety of investigations into carvacrol’s anti-inflammatory effects.
In one study on mice, the compound prevented obesity by affecting the genes involved in inflammation. In another animal study, the compound reduced swelling.
While the results show promise, the researchers have called for more tests on humans to determine a safe dosage.
6. Healing wounds
Applying diluted oregano oil to the skin may help protect smaller cuts and scrapes on the skin as they heal.
Compounds such as thymol and carvacrol could protect these types of wound from bacterial infections.
7. Repelling insects
Both carvacrol and thymol may be effective insect-repellents. In 2017, researchers found that these compounds repelled some ticks and mosquitos. The research included test tube studies and those with human participants.
More research will help confirm this potential benefit, but rubbing diluted oregano oil on the skin may be a natural way to help repel insects.
8. Relieving pain
There is some evidence that oregano may be an effective pain reliever. An animal studyTrusted Source found that an extract of oregano provided pain relief.
These results were dose-dependent — the more the animals took, the more pain relief they felt.
Importantly, the researchers used a water-based extract, so the oil may not provide the same results. More research in humans could help determine an appropriate dose.
9. Aiding weight loss
Oregano oil may also be a helpful tool for people looking to lose weight. ResearchersTrusted Source have found that carvacrol, the main compound in oregano oil, disrupts part of the process that leads to the creation and accumulation of fat tissue.
More direct research may help provide additional evidence for these claims.
10. Fighting cancer
Some sources claim that oregano oil may help fight some cancers. One reviewTrusted Source notes that the essential oil from oregano helps prevent some types of colon cancer and breast cancer from growing in test tubes.
The oil also appeared to inhibit the growth of some lung cancer and prostate cancer cells. Much of the research in cancer comes from test tubes or animal models, so people should view the results with caution and never use oils as a replacement for medical treatment.
How to use
Oregano oil comes in capsules and as a liquid. It is available for purchase in most health food stores and online.
The strength of each oil may vary, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or work with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine the safest dose.
People who do not enjoy the taste of oregano should choose the capsules, which they can swallow without tasting the oil.
To use oregano oil topically for skin issues, dilute one or two drops in a carrier oil. A person can then apply this mixture directly to the skin.
Risks and considerations
Be sure not to take too much oregano oil, as it is very potent. It is best to use it sparingly under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner.
There is significant risk of burning internal tissue if a person takes the oil orally. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Do not use oregano oil on children or infants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with diabetes should also refrain from using it.
Oregano oil can interfere with some medications, including lithium and diuretics. Also, it is possible to be allergic to the oil.