Beyond its typical use as an analgesic for occasional headache, fever and body aches, aspirin is frequently recommended by doctors to help a wide range of health conditions.

There is much documentation supporting the little white pill’s ability to prevent heart attack and stroke, as well as number of other serious health concerns such as the formation of blood clots in high-risk individuals. Although, more recently, an increasing number of potentially serious side effects associated with its daily use have come to light.

What are the Dangers of Taking Aspirin?

When taken regularly over an extended period of time, even very small doses of aspirin can lead to the formation of painful stomach and intestinal ulcers. Larger doses have been associated with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and it is known to interact poorly with a number of other pharmaceutical drugs. There is also a small, but noteworthy, potential for allergic reactions; particularly in younger children.

Aspirin is the oldest of what are known as “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” Its underlining ability to help thin and improve blood flow has been known for years. Now, according to researchers at the University of East Anglia (UAE) in the United Kingdom, it appears that this double-edged sword may also increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease in some individuals by up to five times.

Continue reading: “Is Aspirin Safe?”

There has been a lot of talk about the health benefits of flaxseed oil but many people don’t know exactly what it is and what it specifically does. Flax is a good source of plant omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber and other nutrients. It’s nutrient composition differs from that of other major oil seeds such as canola and sunflower. It’s important to get the facts straight to make the best choice when purchasing flaxseed oil.

What is Flax and Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant. According to the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute, a flax seed is about 40% oil by weight. Of this oil, 55% of it is omega-3 fatty acid.

Flax is very unique because, traditionally, the oil hasn’t been used much. The seed, however, has been used whole, cracked, or ground into flour then used in baked products. Flax has attracted nutritionists and those seeking a healthier diet because it has a high fiber content and it is rich in potassium. Flax is often sprinkled on breakfast cereals and salads and is found in some fruit juice drinks.

After the oil is extracted from the flax seed, the “leftovers” are often fed to livestock. An interesting side note is that the use of whole flax seed as food for chickens has increased in recent years because of the omega-3 properties.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil”

Back in December I joined Nancy Desjardins, founder and author of HealthyLady.com, for a telecast entitled, “Is Your Home Making You Sick?”. We discussed recognizing and avoiding common toxins that exist in many homes, including chemicals, heavy metals, and radiation. This telecast was so well received that we decided to add a sequel.

Join us tomorrow, February 16, 2012 at 1PM ET as we discuss how to eliminate chemical and heavy metal toxicity from your body.

We’ll be discussing:

• The health benefits of far infrared therapy
• Chemicals and heavy metals most people are exposed to everyday
• How to eliminate chemical and heavy metal toxicity from your body
• Iodine supplements: the four best kinds to use
• How can you protect your family from electromagnetic radiation from Wi-Fi, EMF, and smart meters?
• What are the top 5 ways to clean the air in your home and office space?
• Dr. Group’s easy “Super Water” recipe.

Registration is free, click here to reserve your space.

The 2012 Metaphysical Healing Expo is happening here in Houston this weekend and I’m excited to be participating.

I’ll be presenting at the event along with a number of other dynamic speakers. This is going to be a fantastic opportunity for you to experience many different kinds of healing.

If you’re on a healing journey in the metaphysical world, this event is an outstanding way to connect with other seekers and you don’t want to miss it. Fellowship and support with each other helps us to heal ourselves and the world.

The 2012 Metaphysical Healing Expo is Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th at Crowne Plaza – Houston Brookhollow and tickets are still available. Visit www.healingexpo.com for details.

Hope to see you there!

~Dr. G

Continue reading: “2012 Metaphysical Healing Expo happening February 11th and 12th”

There’s an old adage that says TV rots your brain. While this may not be literally true, there are ways it can contribute to the spoiling of your health. A newly published meta-study carried out by researchers at Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health (SSEHS), in England, has underscored potential health hazards of spending too much time in front of the tube.

Data was collected from 53 separate international studies which focused on sedentary behavior as it relates to dietary and television viewing habits. A strong association was found between watching large amounts of television and increased intake of nutritionally poor foods such as high-calorie snacks, fast food, and soda. A reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption among avid TV viewers was also identified.

Dual Action

According to Dr. Natalie Biddle, lead author of the investigation, the negative influence television has may stem from some combination of interrelated factors. Constant bombardment of commercial advertisements during segment breaks and even within actual programming can encourage unhealthy food-related decisions. When this influence is combined with regular exposure to short bursts of highly targeted audio and visual stimulation, it has a very real effect on the viewer’s attention span and can impact their ability to make informed decisions properly.

Normal activities associated with TV viewing, like channel-surfing and “TiVoing”, also reward impulsive behavior. When viewers see a food advertised, there’s a good chance they’re going to want it, even if they aren’t really hungry. If that food isn’t readily available, they may lose interest and return to their seat empty handed… or they might just grab the next best thing sitting around the kitchen instead, and it may be less than nutritionally ideal.

Not only does habitually staring at the TV generally lead to increased snacking and poor diet practices, the sedentary nature of watching TV also takes a hefty toll on viewer health and physical appearance.

Alternatives

The easiest way to avoid these, and other, health risks connected with excessive TV viewing is to simply watch less television. Even without taking the recent Loughborough University findings into consideration, limiting TV time to a maximum of three or four hours a week is still a smart idea. Cutting back on television may result in having a lot of newly available free time to pick up new hobbies. And, spending the extra time hanging out with friends and family or using it to catch up on your reading will feel far more rewarding.

What do you think of the outcome of this meta-study? How does TV fit into your day? Let’s discuss, in the comments below!

~Dr. G

Recommended Reading:

• Dangers of Soft Drinks
• Research: TV Food Advertisements Promote Unhealthy Diets
• Americans Will Believe Almost Anything
• 7 Types of Foods to Avoid with Irritable Bowel Syndrome