Suzela12's Blog

Want to live? Protect your liver!

suzela12 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:21:41 +0000

Ever since I was introduced to biology way back when, I’ve always had difficulties in retaining what each organ is good for and basically, how our bodies function. This is a skeleton in my closet so shhh don’t tell anyone… But anyway. One token of information I’ve always held onto, however, is the liver’s duty to process and rid the body of alcohol (don’t judge me). The liver not only becomes diseased with excessive alcohol consumption, but a new study suggests that another legal, lethal drug may have damaging effects as well.

An experiment performed on rats shows how toxic secondhand smoke truly is over time. For one year nonalcoholic rats were subjected to secondhand smoke in hopes of finding a crucial discovery. An eye-opening connection was found. Secondhand smoke seems to interact with two key substances in fat metabolism. Hindering the activity of a kinase, secondhand smoke in the rats, “… caused an increase of a protein called sterol regulatory element-binding protein that leads to more fatty acid production in the liver.” This is where the nitty-gritty research begins. As these findings are still rather immature, one must do whatever they can to protect themselves from deadly smoke. Even if the link between smoking and liver damage proves to be a hoax, the known outcome of cardiovascular disease from smoking has been proven time and time again. A nasty killer that is sweeping the nation like the black plague.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/smoking/

Alcohol and Caffeine

suzela12 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:35:43 +0000

Truthfully, there has not been enough conclusive research to determine the effects of drinking alcohol mixed with a caffeinated beverage. Much more could be done in finding out true impacts on the body, and over time it will most likely be revealed. Until then, drinks with both alcohol and caffeine, or chasing an alcoholic drink with a caffeinated beverage, should be monitored carefully or avoided altogether. Those types of drinks may sound appealing in hopes that the caffeine somewhat counteracts the alcoholic affects, and because they are typically sweet drinks, easier to put down for some people than straight alcohol.

Don’t fall into this trap! There is no supporting evidence that proves drinking caffeine while drinking alcohol counteracts some of the inhibiting effects such as loss of coordination. Case studies prove that drinking caffeine either mixed or while drinking any kind of alcoholic drink does not have any positive effects. People are still just as impaired after chugging a red bull and vodka than they are after taking a shot of vodka, maybe they are just more wired. The herbal content in energy drinks is also a topic of concern. Scientists believe the herbal content to be potentially damaging to one’s health, and not supportive of potential health benefits those herbs usually promote.

I don’t mean to sound preachy, but it really is in your best interest to stay away from unknowns such as mixing alcohol and caffeine, as well as veer away from bad habits. Addictions often start due to curiosity. With this is mind, get the facts first! You may feel perfectly fine experimenting, but it could be the drug impairing your ability to see/feel the truth.

http://www.medicinenet.com/alcohol_and_nutrition/page8.htm#caffeine

Yawns, Status, and Sex

suzela12 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:54:06 +0000

Apparently, the affects of women as equals in society are extremely widespread, and are trickling into the psyche’s of men. Men no longer hold all the bread in the family. The woman in the relationship making more money than the man is also a cultural change now more commonly seen. Not only is this true, but the way men are responding is equally as cool. Some men may not follow this logic, but many who find themselves in relationship with women who bring in more dough than they do feel as though they need to “give back” somehow. In a marriage, this could mean watching the kids more or keeping the house clean. Men universally also seem to lean toward providing sexual gratification to return the favor. It is possible that men feel less adequate making less money and therefore have the need to prove their performance, however many men are choosing to enhance their sexual routine in order to give back to their lovers. They see providing blissful sex as an appropriate way of discreetly repaying their lover for providing needed income.

On a separate note, if you yawn prior to sex, no need to worry. Explain to your partner that you actually aroused and yawning is a natural part of the process between switching from one metabolic state to the next. Research has shown that excited or aroused activity can trigger a yawn or series of yawns that seem awkward and out of place. In reality, your body is preparing itself for what is to come (no pun intended), not rearing for sleep. So the next time your partner gets pissed for slipping in a yawn before getting down, let them know that it is only natural, and all in the name of love (0r love-making).

I found both articles on msnbc.com

Make Way for the Heifers!

suzela12 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:34:05 +0000

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/business/29dairy.html?em=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1254316570-bxx2IUKLvTA1Zjl0khV8eA

Not exactly relating to our discussion of nutrition on Monday, but I found this article too interesting not to share. Moving along in the 21st century, many advancements in technology are not being stifled by the economic crisis. Rather, people’s interest in their development helps them thrive. Genetic engineering in particular is gaining a lot more positive attention than before as a result. The article I found in the New York Times online reveals a recently discovered practice of deliberately sorting dairy bull’s sperm in order to produce more female dairy cows. This technology is very exciting in the farming world, however, an unforeseen dark shadow is being cast on the idea because of the rising prices in today’s economy. The is already enough milk being produced nationally, almost forcing farmers to look to alternative methods of raising their cattle. The National Milk Producers Federation is even paying farmers to send herds to slaughter. Until the economic situation smooths out a bit, the new exciting technology that has farmers raving will not be put into mass effect. We will perhaps see the technology sprouting in human relations, with the potential of allowing parents to choose the sex of their baby. Scary!

Let it Flow

suzela12 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:04:21 +0000

Many common diseases and serious health risks can be avoided. Leading a life filled with scarce movement and improper nutrition may not be showing immediate effects, however, it is important to treat our bodies with care whenever possible. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL’s) are transmitted to the body through foods high in harmful fats, typically saturated. Trans fats are the most wicked of the fats and should be avoided at all costs. Not only do they provide little to no source of nutrient, trans fats increase the number of smaller LDL particles and lower HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Because the particles are smaller, plaque molecules have an easier time finding little niches to get caught in. Be weary! Plaque buildup along artery walls can become extremely serious. Passageway constriction consequently reduces blood and air flow and can cause the arteries to harden, also known as atherosclerosis. When the blood is unable to reach the heart, a heart attack occurs. A stroke is the result of blood being blocked to the brain.

Don’t worry! Getting older isn’t so bad… sex hormones are also depleting, no big deal. Just kdding. This trips up the body because it thinks, “Hey, wait a minute. I’m not ready to give up my sex.” There is only so many mind-body talks one can have before it must recognize, it’s time. Still, the liver puts it into overdrive for one last leap of faith and increases cholesterol count to kick start an estrogen or testosterone factory line. Bottom line, we need to take care of our bodies at all times. Everything in small doses does wonders for an overall well-being, and duh that includes taking risks! Life is here to explore

I read the article “Heart Help” in Natural Health magazine, Sept 2007 issue.

Don’t Stress, it’s Just a Game!

suzela12 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:42:54 +0000

No need to feel the heat from the seat. Let the players do their jobs and sweat, so you don’t have to. If that’s even possible. Sport’s games can be very involved as well as intense, revving up some people’s engines enough to increase their heart rate. This may not seem too important, however, dangers are proving themselves.

Researchers were curious of the, if any, connections between sport’s fans excitement and cardiovascular activity. Turns out there have been instances that can tie cause and effect together. In 2006, Germany played soccer in the World Cup. They won against Argentina in a shootout, but lost a week later to Italy. In both cases, negative cardiac activity was reported increased significantly in local hospitals. The games impacting stress on the community is theorized to be a link.

The same type of jump in serious cardiac health is shown during the time and surrounding area of the Northridge earthquake of 1994.

It is not definite that becoming really excited and involved in WWE or the NFL as a spectator will give you a heart attack. What is known though is the direct connection between a stimulated sympathetic nervous system (controls stress) and a lack of oxygen. When your heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen, it has to work much harder for you to thrive.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18544386

Be Healthy Be Happy

suzela12 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:56:44 +0000

Sleep apnea can affect everyone, though the more harmful effects are not usually apparent early on. The most common sign of the disorder is snoring because this indicates airways are constricted, possibly being blocked by tissue. Well that sounds good since we all snore. SO anywho men are twice as likely to develop sleep apnea in their lifetime than women. Another reason to be healthy. Getting exercise and keeping away from activities such as spitting, leaving the toilet seat up, and I’m kidding. But seriously, exercise is crucial. So is watching what you eat and when you eat it, staying away from smoking and drinking, practicing ways to keep stress levels low, getting enough rest, and seeking happiness. Anything is possible and you don’t want to increase your risk of cardiovascular disease or depression or low immunity or any of the other life downers that are all being linked to sleep apnea.

http://www.soundslikesleep.com/men-sleep

Hello world!

suzela12 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:08:34 +0000

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!