Call For Warning Labels For Energy Drinks

Johns Hopkins scientists who have spent decades researching the effects of caffeine report that a slew of caffeinated energy drinks now on the market should carry prominent labels that note caffeine doses and warn of potential health risks for consumers.

"The caffeine content of energy drinks varies over a 10-fold range, with some containing the equivalent of 14 cans of Coca-Cola, yet the caffeine amounts are often unlabeled and few include warnings about the potential health risks of caffeine intoxication," says Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., one of the authors of the article that appears in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence (September 2008).

The market for these drinks stands at an estimated $5.4 billion in the United States and is expanding at a rate of 55 percent annually. Advertising campaigns, which principally target teens and young adults, promote the performance-enhancing and stimulant effects of energy drinks and appear to glorify drug use.

Without adequate, prominent labeling; consumers most likely won't realize whether they are getting a little or a lot of caffeine. "It's like drinking a serving of an alcoholic beverage and not knowing if its beer or scotch," says Griffiths.

Caffeine intoxication, a recognized clinical syndrome included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, is marked by nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, tremors, rapid heartbeats (tachycardia), psychomotor agitation (restlessness and pacing) and in rare cases, death.

Reports to U.S. poison control centers of caffeine abuse showed bad reactions to the energy drinks. In a 2007 survey of 496 college students, 51 percent reported consuming at least one energy drink during the last month. Of these energy drink users, 29 percent reported "weekly jolt and crash episodes," and 19 percent reported heart palpitations from drinking energy drinks. This same survey revealed that 27 percent of the students surveyed said they mixed energy drinks and alcohol at least once in the past month. "Alcohol adds another level of danger," says Griffiths, "because caffeine in high doses can give users a false sense of alertness that provides incentive to drive a car or in other ways put themselves in danger."

A regular 12-ounce cola drink has about 35 milligrams of caffeine, and a 6-ounce cup of brewed coffee has 80 to 150 milligrams of caffeine. Because many energy drinks are marketed as "dietary supplements," the limit that the Food and Drug Administration requires on the caffeine content of soft drinks (71 milligrams per 12-ounce can) does not apply. The caffeine content of energy drinks varies from 50 to more than 500 milligrams.

"It's notable that over-the-counter caffeine-containing products require warning labels, yet energy drinks do not," says Chad Reissig, Ph.D., one of the study's authors.

Griffiths notes that most of the drinks advertise their products as performance enhancers and stimulants – a marketing strategy that may put young people at risk for abusing even stronger stimulants such as the prescription drugs amphetamine and methylphenidate (Ritalin). A 2008 study of 1,253 college students found that energy drink consumption significantly predicted subsequent non-medical prescription stimulant use, raising the concern that energy drinks might serve as "gateway" products to more serious drugs of abuse. Potentially feeding that "transition" market, Griffiths says, are other energy drinks with alluring names such as the powdered energy drink additive "Blow" (which is sold in "vials" and resembles cocaine powder) and the "Cocaine" energy drink. Both of these products use the language of the illegal drug trade.

Griffiths and colleagues are currently collecting case reports of intoxication from energy drinks in children and adolescents.

Eric C Strain, M.D., from Johns Hopkins also contributed to this study.

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Adapted from materials provided by Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, via EurekAlert!

* Source- ScienceDaily.com

Aspartame linked to Mental Disorders

High intake of the artificial sweetener aspartame may lead to the degeneration of brain cells and various mental disorders, according to a research review conducted by South African scientists from the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo and published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, particularly in food and beverage products marketed as low calorie or "diet." It is used in more than 6,000 products around the world.

"We propose that excessive aspartame ingestion might be involved in the pathogenesis of certain mental disorders, and also in compromised learning and emotional functioning," the researchers concluded.

The review of prior research found that aspartame, marketed as NutraSweet, Equal, Canderal and Tropicana Slim, leads to both direct and indirect changes in the brain when consumed in high quantities. Among these effects, the chemical can disrupt amino acid metabolism and structure, degrade nucleic acids, and interfere with the function of nerve cells and hormonal systems. It also appears to change the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

The researchers also noted that aspartame appears to cause excessive signaling of nerve cells, and nerve cell damage or even death. By disrupting the functioning of the cells' mitochondria, or energy source, aspartame leads to a cascade of effects on the whole system."The energy systems for certain required enzyme reactions become compromised, thus indirectly leading to the inability of enzymes to function optimally," the researchers wrote.

This directly contradicts a review published in 2007, which concluded that "aspartame is safe at current levels of consumption … no credible evidence was found that aspartame is carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or has any other adverse effect on health."

The chemical has been controversial since its introduction, with a number of studies linking it to cancer and neurological and behavioral disorders. People have reported experiencing headaches, insomnia and even seizures from aspartame consumption.

The FDA and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), however, continue to insist that the sweetener is safe.

History and Science of Reflexology

Reflexology is a compression massage technique whereby zones and reflex points (most commonly found in the feet) correspond with specific glands and organs within the body. It is believed that correct stimulation of the reflex points can alleviate many health problems.

Reflexology stimulates nerves to optimize blood circulation. It is also believed to strengthen the immune system as well as revitalize and maintain a healthy equilibrium between the mind and body.

Directly under the skin there is a network of nerve endings which receive and pass impulses to and from the body organs. The feet are considered an intricate map to the entire body. Reflexology is performed by using intense thumb and finger pressure to the various reflex points on the foot.

Ancient links to Reflexology

China. The most common theory is that the earliest form of reflexology originated in China some 5000 years ago. The Chinese concept of meridians is an important part in the foundation of reflexology.

475-221 BC. In China, the Yellow Emperors of Internal Medicine identified 14 channels (meridians) within the human body, six of which travel to the foot. Meridians are energy pathways all over the body that link our internal organs with the other parts of our body. These energy channels are the pathways for the circulation of the vital life force, which the Chinese call chi. Chi is also referred to as “life force,” “vital force,” and “vital energy.”

Japan. Traditional Asian foot reflexology is called Zoku Shin Do. This is the foot portion of the Japanese massage technique. The roots of Zoku Shin Do go back to ancient China.

North America. The Cherokee tribes of North America to this day practice a form of reflexology that they continue to pass from generation to generation.

Egypt. A pictograph dating between 2500 - 2330 BC taken from the physician’s tomb, the tomb of Ankhmahor in Saqqara indicates Egyptian roots of Reflexology. In the pictograph you will notice that the therapist is holding a tool in his hand for working on the feet. Underneath the picture it is written, “Make these give strength, reply, ‘I will do thy pleasure,’ reply, ‘Do not cause pain to these.’ ”

60 BC. Mark Anthony is noted in historical works to have worked on Egyptian ruler Cleopatra’s feet at dinner parties.

Even today ancient footwork practice can be found in some remote Egyptian villages which is very similar to a reflexology treatment session.

Development of Neuroscience and Modern Reflexology

1771. Johann August Unzer, a German physiologist, in his published work is the first to use the word “reflex” with reference to the body’s motor reactions.

1833. Marshall Hall, an English physiologist, in a study on the reflex function of the medulla oblongata and the spinal cord, uses the term “reflex action” and demonstrates the difference between unconscious reflexes and volitional acts.

1834. The Swedish doctor Pehr Henrik Ling notices that pains emanating from certain organs are reflected in certain areas of the skin, but with no direct relation to these organs. Other students followed this line of thought, including the English neurologist Sir Henry Head. Therapeutic anesthesia was born.

1870. Russian psychologists begin researching zone therapy. These include Ivan Pavlov and Vladimir Bektev, founder of the Russian Brain Institute.

1890. Sir Henry Head publishes his discoveries that the sensitive areas of the skin are connected through nerves to a diseased organ. “The bladder,” he wrote, “can be excited into action by stimulating the soles of the feet.” The treatment zones that he discovered came to be known as “Head's zones”.

Birth of Modern Reflexology

1913. Dr. William Fitzgerald (b.1872 – d.1942) is known as the “Father of Zone Therapy.” He was a medical man, who became a natural healer through the art of using pressure therapy to benefit and heal the human body.

A graduate of the University of Vermont, he was for many years senior Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut. While working at his specialty, he observed that by applying pressure to certain parts of the body the patient would feel no pain, and he was able to do minor operations without using cocaine or any other local analgesic.

Dr. Fitzgerald is responsible for what we call reflex zone therapy today. He devised the system of mapping the body into five zones on each side of a median line. These zones run the length of the body from the head to the feet.

It is by using this map of the body on the feet that we are now able to find the reflex points that mirror our entire body. Dr. Fitzgerald called these lines the “ten invisible currents of energy” through the body, and he demonstrated the correlation between the reflex points on the feet and areas in distant parts of the body. He showed how a pressure of between 2 and 10 pounds on a given finger or toe could alleviate pain anywhere in a corresponding zone in the body.

Dr. Fitzgerald showed that the upper and lower surfaces of the joints and side areas could all be pressed with good results. He also showed that each zone could be worked on a client’s hand or foot, because the zones run to both extremities. The zones pass through the body from front to back. Each zone represents or includes all the organs, muscles, and bones through which the respective zone line passes.

The distance between the area treated and the corresponding organ was of no importance, since the entire zone was being treated. When pain was relieved, the condition that produced the pain was generally relieved as well, and this led to the mapping out of these various areas and associated connections, and also to the conditions influenced through them.

Dr. Fitzgerald would use rubber erasers for therapy bites, metal combs, elastic bands, pegs and percussion motors, and surgical clamps on reflex areas. He applied pressure over some bony eminences or upon the zones corresponding to the location of the injury.

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Stress Scores: Life Events

Life events that occur in our lives such as death of a loved one, pregnancy or divorce can lead to an increase in stress, which if left unresolved, could develop into a serious health risk.

Different crises in our lives can result in different impacts. However, in many cases it is possible to anticipate these events and even prepare for them.

The SRRS (Social Readjustment Rating Scale) was created by Dr. Thomas H. Holmes and Dr. Richard H. Rahe. Based on their well known study in 1967 into the effects of life events and the subsequent follow-up studies, the two doctors came up with a chart that lists a total of 43 events that can cause stress. Each of the events are ranked in order of their LCU (Life Change Unit), starting with the most high risk changes down to the lower risk ones.

Although there are many other factors in life that can lead to stress, Holmes and Rahe decided to concentrate on just these common key events. Their theory suggests that any stressful events could be linked with higher chances of illness developing.

While this approach is obviously a simplification of complex situations, using the SRRS can provide you with a useful start in adjusting to life-changing events.

The test works by adding up the LCU points of the events that have happened to you in the last 12 months – this will give you your LCU score.

An LCU score less than 150 = a 35% chance of developing an illness within the next two years.
An LCU score between 150-300 = a 51% chance.
An LCU score over 300 = 80% chance of illness developing, which could become a very serious health risk.

Social Readjustment Rating Scale

Life Event__________________________________LCU

Death of spouse______________________________100
Divorce_____________________________________73
Marital Separation_____________________________65
Prison Term_________________________________63
Death of a close family member____________________63
Personal injury or illness_________________________53
Marriage____________________________________50
Being Fired from work___________________________47
Reconciliation with spouse________________________45
Retirement__________________________________45
Change in health of family member__________________44
Pregnancy___________________________________40
Sexual difficulties______________________________39
Addition of family member_______________________39
Major business readjustment_____________________39
Major changes in financial state____________________38
Death of a close friend__________________________37
Changing to a different line of work_________________36
Changes in frequency of arguments with spouse________35
Mortgage or loan over £10,000 (?)_________________31
Foreclosure on a mortgage or loan__________________30
Major change in responsibilities at work _____________ 29
Children leaving home__________________________29
Trouble with in-laws___________________________29
Outstanding personal achievement _________________28
Spouse begins or stops work ______________________26
Starting or ending school ________________________26
Revision of personal habits (dress, manners, associations)__24
Trouble with boss _____________________________23
Change in work hours, conditions __________________20
Change in residence____________________________20
Changes in school _____________________________20
Changes in recreational activities __________________19
Changes in church activities______________________19
Changes in social activities _______________________18
Mortgage or loan under £10,000 (?)________________17
Changes in sleeping habits_______________________16
Changes in number of family gatherings _____________15
Changes in eating habits________________________15
Going on holiday _____________________________13
Christmas__________________________________12

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Obese more likely to develop Cancer

Here's yet another reason why you should cut the flab -obesity could give you cancer. A new research, published in the British Journal of Cancer, has found that overweight people are at a significantly higher risk of developing a range of common cancers. In fact, according to researchers, an individual's risk of contracting at least seven types of cancer rises with every pound of weight put on - however, those who lose weight can reduce their chance of developing the disease.

"People associate high body weight with conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and a lot of people are not aware of the links between body weight and cancer. "If you look at these cancers, they include two of the most common, breast and colon, and some of which have very low survival rates, pancreatic and oesophagus.

So body weight has a substantial impact on cancers that are common and those that are difficult to treat. "This is a very important issue. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important things you can do to prevent cancer after not smoking,"Ed Yong of Cancer Research United Kingdom was quoted by the Sunday Telegraph as saying.

The researchers have based their findings on an analysis of data from around the world on obesity, weight gain and weight loss in relation to cancers of the breast, kidney, pancreas, colon, prostate, oesophagus and endometrium, which is actually the lining of the womb.

The study, carried out at the Washington University School of Medicine in the US, found clear links between cancer rates and increases in body mass index (BMI), the measurement of obesity which is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilogrammes by their height in metres.

And, the cancer which emerged as having the clearest link to weight gain was breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The risk of catching the disease increased by 5% with every 5kg of weight gained. Weight gain in adulthood accounts for almost a quarter of cases of the disease in older women. On the contrary, the study found that those who lost weight were at a significantly lower risk of the disease.

Research into colon cancer found that men who put on 6kg or more in weight ran twice the risk of getting the disease as men who lost two kilogrammes or more. Those who gained 21kg or more after reaching the age of 20 had a 60% increased risk compared to men who have gained less than five kilogrammes, the researchers found in their study.

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Courtesy: Press Trust of India, Sept. 8, 2008

Obesity leads to Liver damage in Teens

In a new and disturbing twist on the obesity epidemic, some overweight teenagers have severe liver damage caused by too much body fat, and a handful have needed liver transplants. Many more may need a new liver by their 30s or 40s, say experts warning that pediatricians need to be more vigilant.

The condition, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure or liver cancer, is being seen in kids in the United States, Europe, Australia and even some developing countries, according to a surge of recent medical studies and doctors.

The American Liver Foundation and other experts estimate 2%to 5% of American children over age 5, nearly all of them obese or overweight, have the condition, called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. "It's clearly the most common cause of liver disease," said Dr Ronald Sokol, head of public policy at the liver foundation and a liver specialist at Children's Hospital and University of Colorado Denver.

Some experts think as many as 10% of all children and half of those who are obese may suffer from it, but note that few are given the simple blood test that can signal its presence. A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose this disease.

As fat builds up, the liver can become inflamed and then scarred over time, leading to cirrhosis, a serious condition, which in years past was mostly caused by hepatitis or drinking too much alcohol. The disease is most common in overweight children with belly fat and certain warning signs, such as diabetes or cholesterol or heart problems.

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Courtesy: Associated Press, Sept. 10, 2008

Obesity? Don't just blame it on your Genes!

Vigorous physical activity can help even people genetically prone to obesity keep the weight off, US researchers said on Monday. A study among a group of Amish people found those who had an obesity-related gene called FTO but were very physically active weighed about the same as others who did not carry the gene.

"When we looked at the Amish who were the most active, there is suddenly no effect of that gene," said Dr Soren Snitker of the University of Maryland. The findings may help inform the debate over whether changes in diet or physical activity will make the biggest difference in fighting obesity.

Consumer groups have pushed for laws such as a moratorium on new fast-food restaurants in certain Los Angeles neighbourhoods, while the food industry often maintains that a lack of exercise is more to blame.

Snitker and Evadnie Rampersaud of the University of Miami were looking to see if physical activity might offset the effects of obesity associated with the FTO gene, found in more than half of all people of European descent. People with two copies of the FTO gene on average weigh nearly 3kg more.

The researchers found those who were less active and had the FTO gene variant were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese. But among the most physically active, the FTO gene made no difference.

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Courtesy: Reuters, Sept. 10, 2008

Healing touch can work as painkiller

A soothing touch really can ease away pain, according to a group of researchers. The scientists found that gentle stroking activates “pleasure” nerves beneath the skin, which then reduce the sensation of pain from other nerves.

In their research, the team found that people who were exposed to painful temperatures on the surface of their skin felt less pain if they were stroked at the same time.

The researchers believe that signals to the brain from the nerves that detect the pleasurable stroking dampen the signals from nerves that detect pain.

Francis McGlone, a neuroscientist at the Liverpool University, has also calculated the optimum way of touching someone to produce the most pleasure. While speaking at the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the researcher said that the key was to stroke with a slow speed and little pressure.

McGlone, who also works for Unilever’s research and development team to develop pleasurable textures for new produces, said: “The picture that is emerging is that there are two separate nerves for painful and pleasurable touch.” “They also seem to mediate each other, so rubbing does make pain feel better,” Telegraph quoted the scientist, as saying.

McGlone also believes that touch is crucial for children as they develop and insufficient physical contact while growing up could be implicated in the risk of depression in later life. He said that human bodies were covered in pleasure nerve fibres, known as C fibres, apart from the palms of hands and soles of feet.


Courtesy: The Times of India, Sept. 12, 2008

Health Benefits of Drinking Water!

One of the biggest health secrets is the value of drinking water . . .and drinking enough water each day. We drink too much coffee, tea, and sodas containing caffeine, which prompts the body to lose water but not this simplest and most affordable drink on the planet- Water! Water is often overlooked and it's importance cannot be overstated. Water is the most important nutrient in our body.

Almost 2/3rd of our body weight is simply the water. The human brain is composed of 74% water; blood is 83% water; Muscles are 84% water; Bone is 22% water; the lungs are nearly 90% water. How important is this composition? A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page. Mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue.

Simple and Pure water- is truly a "wonder drug".

Water versus Other Beverages

There is a difference between drinking pure water and beverages that contain water. Artificially flavoured drinks, Soft Drinks/ Sodas, Coffee etc. may contain substances that are not healthy and actually contradict some of the positive effects of added water.

Caffeinated beverages overstimulate the adrenal glands and Kidneys robbing your body of necessary water. Soft Drinks contain phosphoric acid which can lead to depletion of bone calcium. Flavoured drinks contain a lot of Sugar. A 12 ounce can of regular soda contains equivalents of 9 teanspoons of Sugar and loads of empty calories our body definitely does not need.

Drinking other beverages to the exclusion of water also causes you to lose your taste of pure water. This is particularly true with children as they become dependent on Soda and artificially flavoured juices.

Drinking Water and Metobolism- Weight Loss Perspective

Drinking water is important if you're trying to lose weight, studies have shown that thirst and hunger sensations are triggered together. If there is a slight dehydration the thirst mechanism may be mistaken for hunger and one may eat when the body is actually craving fluid.

Since Water contains no Calories, it can act an appetite suppressant and help the body metabolize stored fat, which may turn out to be one of the most significant outcomes in losing weight. All functions within the body require the presence of water. A well hydrated body enables these functions to occur quickly and efficiently. All chemical processes involve energy metabolism and drinking plenty of water will make us feel more energetic and boost our metabolic rate.

The regular physiological function of maintaining body temperature also boosts your metabolism. You will will need more energy to heat the water to bring it to the level of actual body temperature. Your metabolic rate could be upto 3% faster when our body is well-hydrated.

Drinking more water also helps to reduce water retention by stimulating Kidneys.

It is recommended to add One glass of Water to every 25 pounds over required body weight to your normal daily water requirement (8 glasses of water).

Water and Digestion

Water is necessary for your body to digest and absorb vitamins and nutrients. It also detoxifies the liver and kidneys, and carries away waste from the body. And when it comes to digestion . . . it's just not happening without water. Fiber alone cannot aid proper digestive function by itself. In fact, without water as its partner, good fiber goes bad, causing constipation and extreme discomfort.

Drinking Water is Heart-Healthy

The findings of a six-year study of more than 20,000 healthy men and women aged 38-100 in the May, 2002 American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses. The protective effect of water was even greater in men.

Some Benefits of Drinking Water

To summarise, at least 8 glasses of pure water a day, will-

. Improve Your Energy
. Increase Your Mental and Physical Performance
. Remove Toxins & Waste Products from your body
. Keep Skin Healthy and Glowing
. Help You Lose Weight
. Reduce Headaches and Dizziness
. Allow for proper Digestion
. Help to keep you more Alkaline