4 drugs that can give you dementia

If it’s not shocking enough that dementia kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined, how about this… You may be taking a common medication right now that increases your risk of developing dementia by as much as 54 percent!



Jedha Dening

You may be taking a common medication right now that increases your risk of developing dementia by as much as 54 percent!

To date, a few studies have raised a number of medications into the dementia-causing spotlight. You may want to take this list and have a look in your medicine cabinet…

Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Urotrol) for bladder control

In the past five years, these bladder antimuscarinic drugs, prescribed for the treatment of urinary incontinence, have increased in usage by 31 percent. Researchers suggest there are other options but physicians turn to this drug because it’s a cheaper option. And it seems, at your expense…

Researchers discovered that those taking it for more than three years had a significantly increased risk of dementia.

What can you do for bladder control instead?

I’ve previously covered the use of pumpkin seed extract and Kegel exercises for bladder issues, two natural options with proven effectiveness.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergies and colds

Reaching for those antihistamines to address your seasonal allergies — sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold symptoms — may have seemed like a good idea before now. However, this commonly used medication is in the same class as all those listed here and may increase your dementia risk.

Next time you suffer allergies try these 7 foods and optimize your health with these tipsfrom my colleague Dr. Isaac Eliaz.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Some popular medications in this group include:

• Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep)
• Clomipramine (Anafranil)
• Imipramine (Tofranil)
• Trimipramine (Surmontil)
• Doxepin (Sinequan, Adapin)

Taking antidepressants may be useful for those with severe clinical depression. However, there are other alternatives to tricyclic antidepressants. And since these have been shown to increase risk of dementia, discussing alternatives with your physician is a great idea.

Since antidepressants are not all that useful to most people, consider trying proven alternatives. My colleague Dr. Mark Wiley has previously covered several natural methods for treating depression.

Doxepin hydrochloride (Silenor) for insomnia

If you have trouble staying asleep, your physician may prescribe you doxepin hydrochloride. But if you’re a regular user of a dosage around 10 mg per day and continue to do that for three years, your risk of dementia can skyrocket.

For natural alternatives, Dr. Wiley has great recommendations on how to get your best sleep ever.

All of these medications are classed in the category of ‘anticholinergic’ medications and have an average usage between 8 to 37 percent. It’s not unknown that these meds cause immediate cognitive effects such as altered attention, changes to working memory, and slower cognitive speed. But when following your physician’s advice, you probably don’t expect to up your risk of dementia by more than 50 percent.

Unfortunately there are too many drugs to list here… but you can learn about other prescriptions for amnesia and brain robbery that my colleague Margaret Cantwell wrote about, including Xanax and Lipitor to name a few.

Editor’s note: There’s one more drug that could be stealthily stealing your mind and your memories… and the reason you take it is based on a myth that has helped big pharma rake in billions! To learn more about how mainstream medicine is robbing you of a vitally important brain nutrient, click here to read this urgent report!

Sources:

1. 2017 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures — Alzheimer’s Association. Retrieved 2 June, 2017

2. Gray SL, et al. Cumulative Use of Strong Anticholinergics and Incident Dementia. — JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(3):401-407.

3. Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk — Merz B. (2015). Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved 2 June, 2017

https://easyhealthoptions.com/4-drugs-can-give-dementia/

Cranberry’s best benefits go beyond the bladder

If you only turn to cranberries for bladder help, you’re missing out. The benefits of this underrated berry are so great, researchers believe they are just beginning to understand the superpowers cranberries can bestow on the human body.

Jenny Smiechowski

What’s the first thing you do when you feel the burning pain of a urinary tract infection coming on? Reach for the cranberry juice, of course. And you’re not the only one. Cranberry juice is the go-to remedy of UTI-sufferers everywhere.

Nowadays, even your doctor is probably on-board with using cranberries to promote bladder health. The body of research behind it is that strong. Researchers have been studying the cranberry’s effect on your bladder for over 50 years. And one recent study found that chronic UTI-sufferers cut the frequency of their infections by 40 percent just by drinking a glass of cranberry juice every day.

But if you only turn to cranberries for your bladder emergencies, then you’re missing out. Because the health benefits of this tart little berry are whole lot sweeter than you ever thought…

In the latest issue of Advances in Nutrition, a team of international researchers decided that cranberries don’t just benefit your bladder, they benefit your whole body. Scientists have known for a while now that cranberries are packed with cancer-fighting polyphenols. But now they also know that cranberries contain other bioactive compounds that work with these polyphenols to:

• Improve your gut health
• Strengthen your immune system
• Keep your heart healthy
• Balance your blood sugar

In fact, the health benefits of this well-known but often underrated berry are so great, that researchers believe they are just beginning to understand the many ways cranberries can help the human body.

“The bioactives in cranberry juice, dried cranberries and a variety of other cranberry sources have been shown to promote an array of beneficial health effects,” said Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. “Given the complex nature and diversity of compounds found in berry fruits and how they interact with each other, I believe we have only scratched the surface when it comes to identifying the potential power of the cranberry.”

Of course, when it comes to treating UTIs, cranberries are effective because they prevent bacteria from taking root in your body. And it’s this ability that’s gotten a lot of attention recently — especially as antibiotic resistance becomes a bigger and bigger problem.

In fact, researchers from UMass Dartmouth recently concluded that cranberries could play an important role in antibiotic development down the line. That’s because cranberries contain compounds known as proanthocyanidins (PACs) that block bacteria from adhering to your tissues. And if bacteria can’t adhere to you, they can’t infect you.

So it turns out this small super-berry does a lot more than just fight a little bladder bacteria…

It promotes whole-body health — which means it’s time to start drinking more than the occasional UTI-related cup of cranberry juice. Drink cranberry juice, take cranberry supplements or eat cranberries daily. Just avoid over-sweetened products like cranberry juice cocktail and canned cranberry sauce… unless it’s Thanksgiving, of course… still homemade is best!

Sources:

1. B. Blumberg, A. Basu, C.G. Krueger, M. Lila. “Impact of Cranberries on Gut Microbiota and Cardiometabolic Health: Proceedings of the Cranberry Health Research Conference 2015.” Advances in Nutrition. July 2016. 7: 759S-770S.

2. Gupta, B. Song, C. Netob, T.A. Camesanoa “Atomic force microscopy-guided fractionation reveals the influence of cranberry phytochemicals on adhesion of Escherichia coli.” Food & Function Issue 6, 2016.

3. C. Maki, K.L Kaspar, C. Khoo, L.H. Derrig, A.L. Schild and K. Gupta. “Consumption of a cranberry juice beverage lowered the number of clinical urinary tract infection episodes in women with a recent history of urinary tract infection.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. June 2016, v.103 no. 6, 1434-1442.

http://easyhealthoptions.com/cranberrys-best-benefits-beyond-bladder/

Oregano Oil: Extraordinary Oregano Oil

Oregano, the fragrant herb commonly used to flavor pasta and meat dishes, is renowned for its versatility in the kitchen. But did you know that it can also be transformed into an herbal oil with a wide range of benefits? Read on to learn more about oregano oil.

This post is on Healthwise

What Is Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of oregano (Origanum vulgare), a hardy, bushy perennial herb, and a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It's native to Europe, although it grows in many areas around the world1 The plant grows up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) high, with dark green leaves that are two to three centimeters long.2

The ancient Greeks and Romans have a profound appreciation for oregano, using it for various medicinal uses. In fact, its name comes from the Greek words "oros" and "ganos," which are words for mountain and joy,– oregano literally means "joy of the mountain." It was revered as a symbol of happiness, and it was an ancient tradition to crown brides and grooms with a laurel of oregano.3

There are over 40 oregano species, but the most therapeutically beneficial is the oil produced from wild oregano or Origanum vulgare that's native to Mediterranean regions.4 Beware, though, as many of the oregano oils sold in grocery stores are not made from this variety, and may have little to no therapeutic value. Opt only for oregano oil made from Origanum vulgare and Thymus capitatus, a variety that grows in Spain.5

To obtain oregano oil, the dried flowers and leaves of the wild oregano plant are harvested when the oil content of the plant is at its highest, and then distilled.6The resulting oil is golden to dark yellow, with a strong spicy odor.7

Uses of Oregano Oil

I highly recommend adding oregano oil to your arsenal of natural healing tools, as it has a wide range of uses. This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. Oregano oil also has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Other ideal uses for oregano oil are:8

• Treating foot or nail fungus. Put a few teaspoons of oregano oil in a basin of water and soak your feet in it. You can also dilute the oil (mix a drop with a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil), and then apply it on your nails or skin.
• Killing parasites and infections. Dilute the oil (mix a drop with a drop of a carrier oil such as coconut oil), and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. Repeat this at least four times a day.
• Alleviating sinus infections and colds. Put a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water, and then inhale the steam.

I also encourage using the antiseptic powers of this herbal oil to clean your home. Here's one way how: combine four drops of oregano oil with 10 drops of lemon oil and a quarter-cup of white vinegar, and then add to a bucket of water. Use this mixture to wipe and clean surfaces.9

Composition of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is high in phenols, which are natural phytochemical compounds with beneficial antioxidant effects. The two most abundant phenols in it are:

• Thymol - a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It helps boost your immune system, works as a shield against toxins, and even helps prevent tissue damage and encourages healing.
• Carvacrol – found to be effective against various bacterial infections, such as candida albicans, staphylococcus, E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, klebsiella, the aspergillus mold, giardia, pseudomonas, and listeria.

Other healthful compounds in oregano oil include:10

• Terpenes – known for their powerful antibacterial properties.
• Rosmarinic acid – an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and has shown promise in treating allergic asthma and preventing cancer and atherosclerosis. It also works as a natural antihistamine that reduces fluid buildup and swelling caused by allergy attacks.
• Naringin - inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the antioxidants in oregano oil.
• Beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) - this substance inhibits inflammation and is also beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolic syndrome.11, 12

Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, and niacin are also found in oregano oil.

Benefits of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has wide-reaching health benefits, but is most associated with respiratory and immune system health. It is known for helping prevent and treat infections, such as:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria like E. coli, Proteus,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.13
• Respiratory infections brought on by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strains.14
• Yeast infections, even those that are resistant to the commonly used antifungal drug Diflucan.15
• Parasitic infections caused by the amoeba giardia – it was even found to be more effective than antibiotics like Tinidazol.16
• oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.
  Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection – A team of Indian and British researchers found that oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.17

Oregano oil has also shown promise in preventing food-borne illnesses caused by pathogens like listeria,  salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella dysenteria. Adding it to foods not only helps kill the bacteria, but may also alleviate food poisoning symptoms. An animal study from University of Arizona researchers also found that oregano oil can help kill norovirus,18which causes gastroenteritis.

Oregano oil is also a prized antiseptic essential oil in aromatherapy because its proportion of phenols is said to be the highest of all aromatic plants. Aside from using the steam method to relieve coughs and other respiratory illnesses, you can also use it to:

• Ward off insects. Carvacrol in oregano oil works as a natural insect repellant. Try putting a few drops on outdoor furniture, or apply a diluted mixture on your skin when heading outdoors.
• Relieve bug bites and rashes, including poison ivy rash. Apply oregano oil diluted with olive oil on the affected areas.19
• Help heal cold sores, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Some experts also advocate using a diluted version to treat acne and rosacea.
• Ease sore throat. Simply add a few drops to a glass of water. It can help alleviate toothache as well.
• Relieve muscle and joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sprains, and cramps.20

How to Make Oregano Oil

Extracting oregano oil requires a special distillation process. However, there is a simple way to make your own oregano oil at home. Here's a basic recipe from HomegrownandHealthy.com:21

Ingredients:

• Oregano leaves, chopped orcrushed
• Olive oil, almond oil or grape seed oil
• Sanitized jar with lid

Procedure:

1. Boil some water in a sauce pan. Once it has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
2. Place your oil of choice and chopped oregano leaves in the jar.
3. Put the jar in the hot water and let it sit for about five to 10 minutes. This heats up the oil and helps the oregano release its natural oils.
4. Remove the jar from the water bath and place beside a sunny window for one to two weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
5. Once the two weeks is up, strain the oil from the leaves and place into a sanitized jar. Store the oil in a dark, cool place.

To preserve the oil, add a few more drops of grapefruit seed oil.

How Does Oregano Oil Work?

The compounds in oregano oil work together to provide the antimicrobial effects this oil is so well-known for. Carvacrol is its most important component, and is responsible for many of its health benefits. Carvacrol has powerful antimicrobial properties, and has been shown to help break through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria from your immune system.22

Oregano oil can either be applied topically or ingested, depending on the condition you're using it for. However, I advise against using the oil full-strength, as it can irritate your skin. Do not apply it to broken skin and open wounds as well.

Oregano oil is meant for short-term use only, and, if using orally, should be taken in small doses of four to six drops for only seven to 10 days.23

Is Oregano Oil Safe?

Yes it is, as long as it's diluted in water or with a carrier oil (some of my top choices are jojoba, olive, and coconut oils). Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde says the ideal ratio when diluting this herbal oil is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil.24

I recommend doing a spot test as well to check if you have any allergic reactions to oregano oil. Simply apply a diluted drop on your arm and see if any irritation occurs.

Be careful when buying oregano oil because some manufacturers sell adulterated oils and oils made from thyme, Spanish oregano, or cultivated oregano, which DO NOT provide any health benefits.

Side Effects of Oregano Oil

Some people may experience stomach upset when ingesting oregano oil (or even the herb itself). Those who are allergic to plants from the Lamiaceae family (mint, lavender, sage, and basil) should also avoid this oil, as they may also develop an allergic reaction.

Oregano oil is also NOT advisable for infants and children. Pregnant or nursing women are also discouraged from using oregano oil both topically and orally, as it can encourage blood circulation within the uterus, which deteriorates the lining that encompasses the fetus within the womb. Oregano oil also has a potential to induce menstruation, and may be dangerous to your unborn child.25

Back to Herbal Oil List

http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/oregano-oil.aspx?i_cid=oreganooilbenefits-rb-articles

Go to Healthwise for more articles

Treat Urinary Incontinence Naturally

Dr. Geo Espinosa | Mar 06, 2014

If you have been recently diagnosed with urinary incontinence, or even if you have been dealing with it for some time, you are not alone. More than 2 million men are affected by urinary incontinence. The good news is that there are natural ways to treat urinary incontinence and support your urinary health.

Incontinence is a symptom of a urinary tract problem, and there are different types of urinary incontinence. Men most commonly experience stress incontinence — the accidental release of urine when the bladder is under pressure — after being treated for prostate cancer.

Another type of incontinence is called overflow incontinence. This is associated with enlarged prostate — benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH can squeeze the urethra and keep the bladder from completely emptying.

Whether you have stress incontinence or overflow incontinence, there are natural steps you can take to support your urinary health and restore continence. If an enlarged prostate is causing your symptoms, you can learn how to promote a normal prostate size.

The first step is to talk to your doctor about what is causing your urinary incontinence and to develop a plan for dealing with the problem. Learn as much as you can about prostate health and urinary incontinence. Keep an ongoing conversation going with your healthcare provider.

The lifestyle choices you make and the foods you eat can help you regain control of your bladder. Following are several lifestyle changes you can make that will positively affect your bladder control, prostate and urinary health.

Take Supplements

There are several natural supplements that support the urinary tract, and many supplements that shrink the prostate. Many men find urinary health benefits from quercetin, saw palmetto, curcumin, green tea extract, cranberry, stinging nettle and pygeum.

Eat Plenty Of Fruits And Vegetables

These foods are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. These support prostate health and urinary tract health, as well as being good for the rest of you too.

Eat Healthy Fats

Healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats help promote prostate health. These fats are part of the Mediterranean diet, which has several prostate health benefits.

Manage Fluids

Drink pure water. While it is important to stay properly hydrated, you want to avoid drinking in the two to three hours before bedtime.

Avoid Food Additives And Sugar

Some foods and additives are harmful to the prostate and your urinary function. Try to avoid the worst ingredients in processed foods.

Exercise And Maintain A Healthy Weight

Being overweight can worsen symptoms of urinary incontinence by putting excess pressure on the bladder. Exercise helps promote prostate health.

Do Kegel Exercises

Doing Kegels every day can help improve bladder control. Other alternative treatments such as physical therapy may also be of help.

Don’t Smoke Or Drink

Smoking is a risk factor for stress incontinence. Alcohol increases urinary frequency, so try to limit or avoid it.

Drink Green Tea

Green tea health benefits come from its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Whether your drink it or take it as a supplement, look for caffeine-free green tea.

Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine from coffee, tea and soda can promote urinary frequency. A study on incontinence in men and caffeineshows that men who consumed 234 mg or more of caffeine every day were 72 percent more likely to have some urinary incontinence compared to men who drink small amounts.

Avoid Foods That Irritate The Bladder

Foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder include citrus fruits, citrus juice, carbonated drinks and spicy foods.

Go When You Need to Go

Don’t hold your urine when you need to go. Holding it can irritate your urinary tract and possibly lead to a urinary tract infection.

Step By Step

Following these steps and eating a healthy diet should help you regain control over your bladder. For more specific eating advice, take a look at: the best foods for men over 50, which can help you adjust your diet to your body’s changes as it ages.

Of course, there are medications and other treatments that can help with urinary symptoms of BPH, but they have some unwanted side effects. Before taking any medications, you should give some of the natural supplements and lifestyle changes a try. They may help and they won’t hurt.

If you are considering medication, first ask your doctor about Proscar side effects and the effect of Flomax on sexual function. These are medications that are often prescribed for men with BPH. Before taking drugs, see if natural methods yield the results you are looking for. It may take some time; but if you adopt a healthier lifestyle, you should start to see some changes in more than just your urinary health.

Reference:
Davis NJ,  et al. Caffeine intake and its association with urinary incontinence in United States men: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2006 and 2007-2008. J Urol. 2013 Jun;189(6):2170-4. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2012.12.061. Epub 2012 Dec 28.

http://easyhealthoptions.com/easy-health-options-digest/treat-urinary-incontinence-naturally/