HEARING LOSS – is considered to be a normal part of aging, but recent studies indicate otherwise. According to Life Extension researchers, for two years there have been studies made to identify the underlying cause of hearing loss. These findings show that “age-related hearing loss involves damage not just to the cells in the ear itself, but to nerve cells that support hearing.” The findings also revealed that “elevated homocysteine – long associated with cardiovascular and neurological conditions also contributes to hearing loss.” They suggest that the elevated homocysteine levels can be lowered by the supplemental intake of folate – which is a water-soluble B vitamin. This is a new approach to mitigating hearing loss. You might want to try it. Discuss it with your physician first.
VERTIGO – experienced by extreme dizziness, this is a debilitating issue. Vertigo is a dizziness where you feel as though the world around you is in constant motion. WHAT TRIGGERS IT? Certain medications, inflammation of nerves in the inner ear, viral infections or abnormal fluid pressure in the inner ear or displaced particles in the canals of the inner ear.
There are millions of nerve endings that, according to Dr. Eric Winder, “give us position sense all throughout our bodies, embedded in the connective tissue called fascia. They provide the information that makes all coördinated movement possible including the instinctive leveling of the head. In the case of vertigo, restriction in the fascia of the jaw, upper neck and skull can create a distortion in position sense which can trigger the disorienting symptoms.” It can be treated by massage fascia release therapies to remove restriction of the connective tissues in the upper neck, jaw muscles and muscles at the base of the skull. This information fascinated me, since I have many friends who complain about having Vertigo all the time. I suggest that if you experience symptoms of Vertigo which are extreme or long-lasting, the you be evaluated by a physician who specializes in this condition. Dr. Winder, also suggests that if vertigo or dizziness occurs with other symptoms such as blurred vision, rapid heart rate or mental confusion, urgent medical evaluation is necessary.
BRAIN – I have talked a lot about the brain and conditions related to the brain. A short note to remind you that raw fruit and veggies are the key to good Mental Health. This is confirmed by a report from New Zealand’s University of Otago. They found a correlation between eating raw produce and measures of psychological well-being, positive mood and life satisfaction. According to Tamlim Conner, Ph,D, “cooking produce foods limits the delivery of nutrients that are essential for optimal emotional functioning.” Foods to add to your diet include (if not already on your list), carrots, bananas, apples, dark leafy greens, grapefruit, other citrus, and as I always suggest, berries, melons, and as well, cucumbers and kiwis, and grapes. I eat lots of grapes. They also help lower the risk of hearing loss – mentioned earlier.
MAPLE SYRUP – Are you using maple syrup as a sweetener? Maple Syrup which used to come in a standard grade A, grade B and grade C, is now classified by the U.S.D.A as only standard Grade A with 4 new descriptions. They are Grade A: Golden Color and Delicate Taste which is best for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal and yogurt. Grade A: Amber Color & Rich Flavor – used best when baking, stirring it into cocktails or tea, and even glazing salmon with it. (This I have done for years – mixed with grated garlic.) Grade A: Dark Color and Robust Flavor – it’s almost like brown sugar, best used in BBQ sauce and as a glaze for grilled meat or as an unconventional pairing for cheese in place of honey. And, last but not least Grade A: Very Dark & Strong Flavor – this is the most robust, the last to be tapped in the maple season, is usually not sold commercially to the public, but is sold to factories and candy producers. It can be substituted one to one in recipes that call for molasses.
The HEALTH BENEFITS OF MAPLE SYRUP – if you are hesitant to use it as a sweetener are very beneficial.
- Maple syrup contains numerous antioxidants
- Gets a lower score on the glycemic index
- Fights inflammatory diseases
- Helps protect skin health
- Is a great alternative to sugar for improved digestion, and is a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners
- Supplies Important Vitamins and Mineral
- May Enhance Antibiotic Effects
I am impressed! I have used it for years as a sweetener. I alternate between Maple Syrup and Honey.
Hope you enjoyed these tips, and maybe learned something new. When trying something new remember – (Quotes by Thomas S. Monson)
- It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Noah erected an ark in obedience to the command from God.
- It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Abraham was willing to offer up his beloved Isaac as a sacrifice.
- It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joshua and his followers brought the walls of Jericho tumbling down.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!