Turn on Your Genes!

The widely accepted dogma that your genes control your health destiny is quickly being uprooted by the emerging field of epigenetics. Epigenetics is probably the most important biological discovery since DNA!

How does it work? 

You’ve probably heard the debate of “nature vs. nurture” … meaning, is it the genetic code you received at conception or the environment in which you were raised that most influences your future health? The answer is both … but your actions, lifestyle and even your thoughts may have the most sway … and nothing is set in stone. Allow me to explain …
You’re in Control of Your Health Destiny

In his book, The Biology of Belief, Dr. Lipton explains the foundation of epigenetics, and how the true secret to life does not lie within your DNA, but rather within the mechanisms of the cell membrane. In this way -- which is contrary to conventional medical science -- it is actually the cell’s membrane -- operating in response to environmental signals picked up by the membrane’s receptors -- that control the “reading” of the genes inside.
For instance, researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University recently explained at Experimental Biology 2010 how altered "histone modifications” can impact the expression of many degenerative diseases, ranging from cancer and heart disease to biopolar disorder and even aging itself.
Rod Dashwood, a professor of environmental and molecular toxicology and head of LPI's Cancer Chemoprotection Program, told EurekAlert:

"We believe that many diseases that have aberrant gene expression at their root can be linked to how DNA is packaged, and the actions of enzymes such as histone deacetylases, or HDACs.
As recently as 10 years ago we knew almost nothing about HDAC dysregulation in cancer or other diseases, but it's now one of the most promising areas of health-related research."
You have tumor suppressor genes in your body right now, and these genes are capable of stopping cancer cells in their tracks. These genes are present in ALL of your cells, but so are proteins called histones.
As Dr. Jean-Pierre Issa at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center explains, histones can essentially “hug” DNA so tightly that it becomes “hidden from view for the cell.” If a tumor suppressor gene is hidden, it cannot be utilized, and in this way too much HDAC will “turn off” these cancer suppressors.
Now here’s where epigenetics comes in … there are many HDAC inhibitors out there that will essentially block the HDAC, allowing your tumor suppressor genes to activate and fight cancer. These HDAC inhibitors exist, at least in part, in common foods like broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, garlic and onions.
By adding these foods to your diet, you are supporting your body’s ability to fight tumors.
And this is only one example of many.
You are in control of your genes … and are changing them often -- daily and perhaps even hourly -- based on the foods you eat, the air you breathe, and the thoughts you think. It’s your environment and lifestyle that dictates your tendency to express disease, and this new realization is set to make major waves in the future of disease prevention -- including one day educating people on how to fight disease at the epigenetic level.

(Dr. Mancola, 2010)
 
Yours in health,
Rhonda

Preventions to Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reaction


There are as many as 1,200 different types of grasses that can be found in the United States and surrounding areas. Yet despite the widespread nature of this species, the experts explain that only a handful of them actually trigger allergies. It is not the grass itself but the pollen it contains that causes the reaction to happen. In someone with allergies, when the pollen is breathed in, the immune system responds by releasing histamine and other chemicals that can spark a variety of allergy symptoms.
Some of the biggest grass pollen culprits include: Bermuda, Johnson, Timothy, Orchard and Sweet Vernal grass, and Kentucky bluegrass.

Other Factors

In addition to certain types of grasses sparking allergies, certain weather conditions also promote higher, or lower, grass pollen levels. These variables can include the temperature, time of day and rain.
Further, how the grass is maintained can also make a big difference, according to some landscapers. Lawns that are mowed frequently are usually less of a trigger than overgrown yards and can even trap pollen from nearby bushes, plants and trees. So if you are putting off taking care of your yard, this fact may inspire you to water, mow and fertilize your lawn, since all of these factors may just make a difference in minimizing your symptoms.
With so many different grasses to choose from, landscapers suggest planting a lawn that either won't bloom and produce pollen at all, or that will at least remain pollen free if you mow it regularly.

Other Prevention Tips

Other things you can do to minimize your reaction to grass pollen includes:

Wear a mask when you mow your lawn or better yet, have someone else do it.

Keep your grass well-maintained on a regular basis.

Minimize your actual lawn space and fill in some of the area with a rock garden and other allergy-free decorations.

Check pollen levels (you can find this information online or on the radio, television or newspaper) and stay indoors when counts are high.

Plan outdoor activities for late afternoon, when pollen is often lower.

Keep your home and car windows closed and run the air conditioning.

Always shower with very hot water after being outdoors. Also wash your clothes and bathe your pets often, too, since pollen can get trapped and brought inside otherwise.

Beat Grass Pollen

Grass pollen is a common allergy in the spring and summertime that can cause you to sneeze and cough, your nose and throat to itch and your eyes to water.

Allergic Reaction

There are as many as 1,200 different types of grasses that can be found in the United States and surrounding areas. Yet despite the widespread nature of this species, the experts explain that only a handful of them actually trigger allergies. It is not the grass itself but the pollen it contains that causes the reaction to happen. In someone with allergies, when the pollen is breathed in, the immune system responds by releasing histamine and other chemicals that can spark a variety of allergy symptoms.

Some of the biggest grass pollen culprits include: Bermuda, Johnson, Timothy, Orchard and Sweet Vernal grass, and Kentucky bluegrass.

Other Factors

In addition to certain types of grasses sparking allergies, certain weather conditions also promote higher, or lower, grass pollen levels. These variables can include the temperature, time of day and rain.

Further, how the grass is maintained can also make a big difference, according to some landscapers. Lawns that are mowed frequently are usually less of a trigger than overgrown yards and can even trap pollen from nearby bushes, plants and trees. So if you are putting off taking care of your yard, this fact may inspire you to water, mow and fertilize your lawn, since all of these factors may just make a difference in minimizing your symptoms.

With so many different grasses to choose from, landscapers suggest planting a lawn that either won't bloom and produce pollen at all, or that will at least remain pollen free if you mow it regularly.

Other Prevention Tips

Other things you can do to minimize your reaction to grass pollen includes:

• Wear a mask when you mow your lawn or better yet, have someone else do i
• Keep your grass well-maintained on a regular basis
• Minimize your actual lawn space and fill in some of the area with a rock garden and other allergy-free decorations.
• Check pollen levels (you can find this information online or on the radio, television or newspaper) and stay indoors when counts are high.
• Plan outdoor activities for late afternoon, when pollen is often lower. 
• Keep your home and car windows closed and run the air conditioning.
• Always shower with very hot water after being outdoors. Also wash your clothes and bathe your pets often, too, since pollen can get trapped and brought inside otherwise.

Yours in health,
Rhonda

What Triggers your Allergies?

If you suffer from allergies, you probably also have a pretty good idea of the things that make you sneeze. But have you ever wondered if your allergy triggers are the same as everyone else's? And do you think there could be other things that could be causing a reaction that you haven't yet identified?
Check out our list of the most common allergy triggers-and get some tips on how best to keep them from making you sick.
Trigger #1: Pollen

Whether it's pollen from grass, trees or flowering plants, this allergen is carried in the air and, as a result, is very easily spread. It also catches on your clothes, skin and hair, so it can be difficult to escape its effects anywhere. The worst time of year for pollen sufferers is usually spring and summer, but there are some pollens that do spread in winter, so beware.



Tip: Always take a hot shower and wash your hair and clothes right away after spending time outdoors to remove any pollen remnants that are trapped there.

Trigger #2: Mold

If you have a mold allergy, you know how pervasive this trigger can be. Mold spores can grow in moist and damp areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements, too.
Tip: Avoid the risks of mold by keeping your home clean and dry and repairing leaks promptly.
Trigger #3: Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in bedding, pillows, rugs, curtains and stuffed animals. Their waste can cause allergies so it's important to try to keep them away from you, and away from the areas where you sleep.
Tip: Remove curtains, carpeting and stuffed animals from your bedroom, keep your mattress and pillows encased in hypoallergenic covers and wash your bedding frequently in very hot water to minimize your exposure.

Trigger #4: Cockroaches

You may not know it but cockroaches can trigger your allergies. As gross as it sounds, their waste is actually what causes the reaction.

Tip: Keep your house very clean, avoid leaving out food and promptly remove crumbs to discourage the presence of cockroaches and other bugs.
Trigger #5: Bee Stings

No one likes to be stung by a bee, but for people with severe allergies, a bee sting can be life threatening. Therefore, it's important to carry an Epi-Pen in case you get bitten or stung in order to head off a serious reaction.

Tip: Avoid eating outdoors, using perfume or wearing brightly colored clothes outdoors, since all of these things can attract bugs your way. If you do find a bee, wasp or hornet's nest on your property, make sure to have it professionally removed.
Trigger #6: Peanuts and Tree Nuts

You're probably aware of the danger of peanut allergies, since this has been featured in the news a lot lately. For people with a severe reaction to any type of nuts, even coming in contact with someone else who recently had a nut product can be enough to trigger a reaction. Therefore, always carry an Epi-Pen just in case of an emergency.

Tip: Read labels to make sure there is no cross-contamination with nuts in any of the things you eat. You should also make your nut allergy known so people around you will go to great lengths to avoid eating peanut items in your presence. This is essential to helping you stay safe.

Trigger #7: Shellfish

If you've ever had a reaction to shellfish, you'll probably want to avoid all types, since an allergy to shellfish and other types of seafood can be very severe. If you're highly sensitive, even the steam from this item cooking can be enough to set a reaction in motion. Again, in an emergency, having an Epi-Pen can be a life saving step.
Tip: Always ask about ingredients when ordering a restaurant meal and make sure there's no danger of cross contamination if your allergy could be severe.
Trigger #8: Latex

Latex allergies have become more common in recent years. If you work in the health field, you can be at even higher risk for having a reaction to this material, which is made from the sap of a latex tree.
Tip: Latex is used for more than medical gloves today. Rubber sink stoppers and other common household items can also contain latex, so be sure to read labels and make educated choices to avoid coming into contact with this material.
Trigger #9: Animal Dander

If you're allergic to cats or dogs, it could be the animal dander or saliva that triggers your symptoms. Despite your reaction, though, you and your pet maybe able to co-exist if your willing to make some extra effort.

Tip: Keep your pet away from your bedroom and also vacuum, clean and dust frequently to remove pet hair and dander that could make you sick

Trigger #10: Medicines

Medicine is supposed to make you feel better, right? But if your body has a problem with an ingredient your medication contains, you can end up dealing with the effects of an allergic reaction, such as hives and even difficulty breathing, instead.  See natural rememdies.

Tip: If you experience hives or any type of rash after taking penicillin or other medications, you should contact your doctor. You may need to try an alternative remedy that uses a different active ingredient to cure whatever ails you.

Yours in health,
Rhonda

How to Battle Allergies

Allergy Season

Do you have a baby or young toddler who is at risk for allergies? Perhaps your little one is predisposed to the condition because of a family history of allergies. If so, you may be going to great lengths to avoid your child's exposure to a host of allergens, including pets. Up until now, researchers have advised this as the best way to help prevent the development of kids' allergies and related symptoms.
But some researchers now are contradicting these earlier recommendations, saying that one of the best things you can do for your newborn may be to raise him or her in the presence of cats or dogs right from an early age. This can actually be an important protective factor in kids' allergies in some cases.
A New Approach

Some of the newest data reveals that when it comes to kids' allergies, children who are exposed to dogs and cats in their first twelve months of life may find that this step helps to protect them from developing allergies and asthma in future years. This is encouraging news, especially since the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that almost three-quarters of all households today have a cat or a dog. But in fact, one pet actually isn't enough to gain the health benefit, according to researchers. Interestingly enough, an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that having only one dog or cat actually increased the risk of having allergies, while having TWO or more pets in the first year significantly decreased the kids' allergies and response to multiple triggers at the age 6 or 7.
Other Prevention Steps

Despite these findings, though, the experts warn that you should talk to your pediatrician first before you run out and invest in a few pets for your baby or toddler.
If you do already have a pet or multiple pets, though, the American Academy of Pediatrics stresses the importance of helping to minimize the allergy risks for young children. For instance, the organization recommends keeping the animals out of your child's bedroom and also cleaning often to remove pet hair and dander.

As an adult .... I am off two prescription allergy meds by just customizing my supplements!  Nutrition can play a big part in how your body responds to allergens. 

Yours in health,
Rhonda