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Antibiotics and aortic aneurysm

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Certain antibiotics may cause aortic aneurysm. The US Food and Drug Administration recently warned healthcare providers that the benefits of fluoroquinolone antibiotics do not outweigh the risks—which include aortic aneurysm—for certain patients, according to the latest research. The research is based on reports of patient problems and on studies published between 2015 and 2018.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are often used to treat serious respiratory infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and even plague and exposure to anthrax. They include drugs sold under the names ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin) and ofloxacin (Floxin). Patients may take them orally or through injection.

The drugs may cause aortic aneurysm, a bulge in an artery that can grow and burst, causing dangerous or fatal bleeding. Patients most at risk for an aortic aneurysm after taking these antibiotics are the elderly, those with high blood pressure, people who have a history of blockages of the aorta or other blood vessels, and those who have genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome or Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.
Although the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection is low, researchers say patients are twice as likely to experience an aortic aneurysm or dissection when prescribed a fluoroquinolone drug. Patients who are known to be at risk of an aortic aneurysm, the benefits may not outweigh this risk, and alternative treatment should be considered.
For patients who don’t fall into a risk category, fluoroquinolones may still be a good option. They have been helping patients with bacterial infections for more than 30 years.

The FDA is requiring that a warning about these risks be added to prescribing information and to patient medication guides. Tthe agency has also warned that these drugs may significantly decrease blood sugar and negatively impact mental health and that the drugs may have a disabling side effect on muscles, nerves, joints and the central nervous system and should be restricted for use in some simpler infections.

If you are in one of these at risk categories and are taking one of these antibiotics, experts recommend talking to your doctor about it but continuing to take the medication.

Great news for coffee fans!

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You can now justify every cup of coffee you drink because of its official health benefits. On average, coffee drinkers live longer than those who don’t.

I’m sure you’re thinking, “how?” Well, new data has the answer for us! Coffee has several effects which directly improve our chances of living longer, including reducing the risk of certain dangerous conditions. Find out what coffee can do for you—and how much of it you should be drinking—so you can be a healthy, long-lived coffee drinker!

The National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University teamed up to analyze data on coffee-drinkers as well as the long-term study of half a million people in the United Kingdom, ranging in age from 38 to 74 by UK Biobank tp determine health benefits.

Keep in mind that the research shows a noted correlation, rather than a direct causal connection. But due to the broad spectrum of people and other evidence provided by the study, we can still say that coffee is a good thing for the following reasons.

  • Cut the Pain: Two cups of coffee can cut post-workout muscle pain by up to 48%. From the Journal of Pain, March 2007 (link)
  • Increase your fiber intake: A cup of brewed coffee represents a contribution of up to 1.8 grams of fiber of the recommended intake of 20-38 grams. From the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (link).
  • Protection against cirrhosis of the liver: This is a good on, of course, you could just cut down on the alcohol intake. From the Archives of Internal Medicine (link). Another more recent study also showed coffee’s liver protecting benefits. link. Yet another study showed that both coffee and decaffeinated coffee lowered the liver enzyme levels of coffee drinkers. This study was published in the Hepatology Journal.
  • Lowers risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Those who consumed six or more cups per day had a 22% lower risk of diabetes. From the Archives of Internal Medicine (link). A recent review of research conducted by Harvard’s Dr. Frank Hu showed that the risk of type II diabetes decreases by 9% for each daily cup of coffee consumed. Decaf coffee decreased risk by 6% per cup.
    Lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease: There is considerable evidence that caffeine may protect against Alzheimer’s disease. From the European Journal of Neurology (link). A recent study also isolated the compounds in roasted coffee that may be responsible for preventing the build-up of the brain plaque believed to cause the disease. 
  • Reduces suicide risk and Depression: A 10-year study of 86,000 female nurses shows a reduced risk of suicide in the coffee drinkers. From the Archives of Internal Medicine (link). Another study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that women who drink four or more cups of coffee were 20% less likely to suffer from depression. Study link.
  • Protection against Parkinson’s: People with Parkinson’s disease are less likely to be smokers and coffee drinkers than their healthy siblings. From the Archives of Neurology (link). Research out of Sweden revealed that drinking coffee reduces the risk of Parkinson’s even when genetic factors come into play. link. Yet another study (published here) found that caffeine combined with EHT (a compound found in coffee beans) provided protective benefits to rats that were genetically predisposed to developing Parkinson’s.
  • Coffee drinkers have lowered risk of heart disease: Korean researchers found that study participants who consumed three to five cups of coffee a day were less likely to show the beginning signs of heart disease. The study. Other dietary factors should also be noted as Koreans typically have a different diet than do Westerners. A more recent study conducted in Brazil found that those that consume at least three cups of coffee a day tend to develop less calcification in their coronary arteries.
  • Coffee drinkers have stronger DNA: A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition showed that coffee drinkers have DNA with stronger integrity since the white blood cells of coffee drinkers had far fewer instances of spontaneous DNA strand breakage. Study abstract.
  • Lower Risk of Multiple Sclerosis: Recent research showed that at least four cups of coffee a day may help protect against the development and reoccurrence of MS. It is believed that the coffee prevents the neural inflammation that possibly leads to the disease developing. The study was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 
  • Coffee reduces colorectal cancer risk: Even moderate consumption of coffee can reduce the odds of developing colorectal cancer by 26%. This protective benefit increases with more consumption. The study is described in detail here.

So it’s a safe bet to stick with coffee.

Are you an organ donor?

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Essential Oils and the common cold

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Did you remember to buy Oregano to help combat the cold & flu this year?

If you did, we can offer a few ways to use the oil to help you feel better. 1. Steam Inhalation:
Add two drops of oregano oil to a bowl of boiling water, place a towel over your head and breathe in the powerful vapors for five to ten minutes. The moist steam helps to loosen and drain mucus in the nasal passages and the antibacterial properties of the oil help to fight infections and relieve cold symptoms.

2. Use in a diffuser:
I love my diffuser, in fact there is one in almost every room. I add several drops of oregano oil to your diffuser (I like to use ten or twelve) and breathe in the medicinal vapors. It’s great for cold and flu season.

3. Inhale directly:
Feeling stuffy at work? A deep sniff of oregano oil directly from the bottle is a great pick-me-up and can help open up the airways.

4. Sore throat:
Add a few drops of oregano oil to a glass of warm water and gargle with the blend. The antibacterial properties of the oil will help to ward off bacteria and the anti-inflammatory properties will help to soothe an aching throat. Make certain not to swallow the oil mixture. Oregano essential oil is extremely potent and therefore should always be diluted before applying directly to the skin. Do not use internally is not considered safe for women to use during pregnancy, however consuming fresh oregano in leaf form, or as a dried spice while cooking, is okay.
Make a Healing rub: Add five to eight drops of oregano oil to one or two teaspoons of coconut oil (which is solid at room temperature) and rub on the chest as a soothing balm for respiratory tract infections and coughs. You can also rub this balm on the soles of the feet for added benefit.

Not only can oregano help with colds and flu, it can also help with wart removal.It’s best to apply oregano oil with a carrier oil topically: Mix three to four drops of oregano essential oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil. Apply the blend with a clean cotton swab four to five times a day and make sure to use a clean swab if you are treating more than one wart so you don’t spread the infection. After treatment cover the wart with a tape or bandage so it is not fueled by oxygen. Within a week or two you should be able to notice a sizeable difference in the size of the wart.

Happy Wellness Wednesday

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This is a truism! I love helping others on their wellness journey!
❤ Happy Wellness Wednesday!

#givingback #healthiswealth #wedoittogether #we #wellnesswednesday

Why become the CEO of your own health?

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For starters, who wants to be told how to live and survive? For me, I would rather have control over my health and THRIVE. I remember the days of suffering when I was so frustrated and had a laundry list of symptoms.

I felt like I was just a number or file at the doctor’s office. I was receiving no answers just methods to temporarily “mask symptoms” that were causing more symptoms. I was at such a loss and just wanted to live a normal life.

The moment I decided I was done and set out to discover what I needed to do for my own unique body, I felt free. It took a long time, a lot of self care, a strong support system, lots of education and discovery. I had to discover a lot about myself and through that process I discovered ME. How many people wait until they are sick to go to the doctor?

I’m not judging; I was one of them. When I discovered holistic health, functional medicine and prevention, it changed my life.

When I discovered the unique foods that nourished my body, I felt empowered and healthy.

When I discovered the importance of self care, I felt loved.

I chose food and a lifestyle change as my medicine and healthcare. This message is not meant to criticize or stir up politics, but empower you to take a stance in your health.

In discovering the things that are designed for your own beautiful bio-individuality. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your health. Don’t be afraid to stand up and take responsibility for your journey.

I hear (and have felt myself) frustrations, I see people suffering and the lives I want to help change. It took me years to discover what healthy looks like–in all aspects of the wellness wheel. It’s more than just what we eat and exercise.

I became a holistic health & wellness coach to help others live a balanced healthy life with less time, frustration and lack of understanding. To help others on their healing journey- physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

I encourage you to listen to your body, grow your knowledge and understanding, bump up your self care tank, work on a mindset shift and discover your own beautiful live life!

It’s National Wear Red Day

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Heart disease and stroke kill one in three women. These diseases are 80 percent preventable according to Go Red for Women’s official website.

Grandma was right

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Your little old soup making grandma who claimed chicken soup would cure what ails you was right as studies show many soups also have medicinal purposes. What was once considered a wives’ tale, chicken soup now has the backing of the scientific community with helping relieve the symptoms of the common cold. Scientists believe that a bowl of the soup may reduce inflammation of the lungs. It is thought that chicken soup slows down the activity of white blood cells that can cause the inflammation.

So break out that bowl and spoon! Umm, ummm, good!

So what are good carbs?

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When people decide to get a healthier lifestyle many start with looking at their diet and removing unhealthy items, switching out carbohydrates and in some cases avoiding carbohydrates entirely.

Avoiding carbs completely is probably the worst thing you can do, you need some sure cutting out breads, pastas and cereals is a start, but what carbs can you keep to benefit for your health?

Here is a short list that includes 15 starchy or complex carb foods:
Vegetables: All of them, especially pumpkin, butternut squash and fresh beets. It is best to eat a variety of vegetables every day.
Whole fruits: Apples, bananas, pears, strawberries, berries, etc.
Tubers: White potatoes with skin, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.
Legumes: Lentils, kidney beans, peas, peanuts, etc.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, etc. Avoid Brazil nuts.
Seeds: Chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds.
Whole grains: Choose grains that are truly whole, as in 100% whole wheat bread, 100% whole wheat pasta, pure oats oatmeal, couscous, brown rice, Basmati (a long grain rice) etc.
Tubers: White potatoes with skin, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.
Cereals: Oatmeal (old-fashioned or steel cut), Cream of rice hot cereal, multigrain hot cereal, barley, oats, rye, triticale, and a few others)

Winter Skin

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As winter kicks into high gear, we need to remember to keep our skin from withering under the harshest of elements. The dropping temperatures outside and rising thermostats inside sap the amount of moisture in the air—and our skin is first to notice the fluctuating temps and humidity.

Here are a few recommendations to help keep skin hydrated throughout the winter. When the chill sets in, avoid the temptation to take those long, luxurious, hot showers. The heat strips skin of its natural oils (called ceramides) and causes inflammation. The hot shower also causes the skin cells to swell, so, when they dry, they become loose and crack. Instead, take shorter, lukewarm showers and use gentle cleansers. Harsh soaps with surfactants and claims of pH balance can be harsh on the skin—and don’t scrub! Be tender and let the water and lather do the work.

If you have dry, cracked skin, look for a cream or ointment with light petrolatum, allantoin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides – the natural fats that bind the skin cell tiles.

After bathing, pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Rubbing causes more irritation and inflammation. With the door closed to keep the humidity in, add a moisturizer. When dressing, wear layers. The closest layer should be made of natural fibers. Soft fabrics like flannel and cotton cause little to no irritation compared to synthetic materials. Layers also are more effective against cold weather.

Winter skin relief comes many forms. Our skin needs hydration at night, too. Adding humidity to the air with a cool mist humidifier will not only hydrate your skin but will also provide a more restful sleep.