If you're into that kind of thing Jessica Misener * BuzzFeed Staff
Marijuana helps fight cancer.
Cannabinoids, the active components of marijuana, inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals and also kill cancer cells.
In fact, heavy marijuana use doesn't lead to lung cancer.
According to a 2006 study at UCLA, while marijuana contains cancer-causing chemicals as potentially harmful as those in tobacco, the THC present may prevent cancer cells from forming. Said one researcher:
We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between marijuana use and lung cancer, and that the association would be more positive with heavier use. What we found instead was no association at all, and even a suggestion of some protective effect.
It's substantially less physically addictive than other drugs.
A study found that about 9% of marijuana users became clinically dependent at some point, compared with 15% of cocaine users and 24% of heroin users.
Two words: NO HANGOVERS
Pot's medical benefits are corroborated by research.
Cannabis has been found to effectively treat pain stemming from cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injury and many other debilitating conditions in many patients.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta has tried marijuana and recommends it. He also apologized for dismissing the scientific value of medical marijuana use in the past.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Why I changed my mind about marijuana
CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how he changed his mind about using marijuana for medicinal purposes and why he wrote Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking him to reconsider US marijuana laws.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta: I've tried marijuanas
While discussing medical marijuana, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Piers Morgan both say that they have tried cannabis. More from CNN at http://www.cnn.com
Medical marijuana has been around for thousands of years.
The use of cannabis fiber cannabis fiber dates back at least 10,000 in Taiwan, and cannabis is one of the 50 fundamental
herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. The ancient Egyptians used hemp (cannabis) in suppositories for relieving the pain of hemorrhoids; the ancient Greeks used cannabis to dress wounds and sores on their horses. And until 1937, marijuana was legal in the United States for all purposes.
A 2013 study of over 4,600 adults found that "current marijuana users had significantly smaller waist circumference than participants who had never used marijuana, even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, tobacco and alcohol use, and physical activity levels. They also had higher levels of HDL (i.e., good cholesterol).
If you're not into putting smoke in your lungs, there are other alternatives.
Because fun pipes are fun.
Marijuana can lessen your risk for glaucoma.
THC lowers intraocular pressure, which in turn can lower the risk of the optic nerve damage that causes glaucoma. And eyesight is good.
16. Doritos are delicious!
17. Despite what your parents might say, smoking pot won't necessarily hinder your future success.
What do antihistamines, salmon, broccoli and citrus fruits have in common?
They are all good at soothing allergies. Health practitioners have
reached a consensus that the best antihistamines are not only found in
the local drug stores but also in foods that contain natural
antihistamines.
Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD at WebMD says that certain foods have nutrients that can help boost your immunity to help your body fight sinus and respiratory infections, which are linked to allergies and hay fever.
Additionally, there is much evidence that eating foods rich in
Flavonoids such as quercetin, Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
reduces allergy symptoms.
Prepare your meals with the following allergy fighting foods and start enjoying these natural antihistamines!
🍋
Start the day with a Vitamin C rich breakfast.
Choose from a selection such as Kiwi, blueberries, and citrus fruits.
Then if you are still hungry toss some spinach or broccoli into an
omelet to further boost your Cs. In addition to being a natural
antihistamine, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and a powerful
antioxidant that fights free radicals. Eat these foods fresh because
they lose their allergy fighting abilities after being processed,
boiled, or stored for long periods of time. Other great sources of
Vitamin C are – blackcurrants, red bell peppers, kale and parsley.
🍜
For lunch why not try an Anti-Allergy Soup!
An expert on herbs developed this soup to naturally battle allergies:
Boil an onion (with skin) and a clove of garlic. Add 1/2 cup chopped
leaves and diced taproots of evening primrose. After boiling for about 5
minutes, add a cup of nettle leaves and a cup of diced celery stalks,
and boil gently for another 3 to 10 minutes. Season with wine vinegar,
black pepper, hot pepper, turmeric, curry powder, or celery seed. Before
eating, remove the onion skins and eat the soup while its still warm.
🍲
At Dinner time pull out the power of Omega -3s with Teriyaki Salmon a side of steamed brown rice and broccoli. Elaine Magee, MPH, RD from WebMD says Salmon is one of the best food sources of the potent omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. Also Christine Gerbstadt,
MD, RD, mother of a child with bad seasonal allergies and spokeswoman
for the American Dietetic Association recommends fitting in fish three
times a week for these anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
Eating a diet rich in these natural antihistamines may not only help
you cope with the symptoms of allergies but if used all year round may
even help to prevent the allergic reactions from happening in the first
place.
Another all natural solution to stop the sneezing, itching and runny nose is Nozin® Allergy Master ® nasal spray. Master your Allergies™ and do it naturally!
If you recently joined the sniffling, sneezing wheezing, watery eyed demographic, it’s
not your fault. Studies show that all allergies – not just seasonal
allergies, are on the rise. According to a survey from the National Institute of Health
(NIH) approximately 54 percent of Americans are sensitive to at least
one allergy-inducing substance. That’s five times higher than it was
thirty years ago.
Seasonal allergies occur during the spring, summer
and early autumn and usually last for several weeks. It is a reaction of
your immune system to otherwise harmless substances like pet hair, nuts
and pollen. While conventional treatments work for some, most have
unpleasant side effects. Mary Hardy, MD,
director of integrative medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los
Angeles says nature-based products can be a very useful way to handle
mild allergies and as an adjunct to more significant issues.
Cayenne Pepper as All Natural Allergy Relief
Cayenne pepper acts as a natural allergy remedy primarily by reducing nasal congestion and inflammation through its active compound, capsaicin. It works by thinning mucus, easing congestion, and acting as a counter-irritant to reduce sinus inflammation. It is best used by incorporating it into meals, hot tea, or in small doses with honey and apple cider vinegar.
How Cayenne Pepper Helps Allergies
Congestion Relief:
Capsaicin helps clear congested nasal passages. It is particularly
effective for runny noses and congestion caused by allergic rhinitis.
Anti-inflammatory Agent: It has potent anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce swelling associated with allergies.
Counter-Irritant:
The compound can cause a short-term irritation that leads to a
long-lasting refractory period, which can desensitize nasal tissues to
allergens.
How to Use Cayenne for Allergy Relief
Dietary Addition: Incorporate cayenne pepper into soups, stews, sauces, or warm water with lemon.
Tea Mixture:
Combine 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, 1
tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in hot
water.
Precautions:
Spice Tolerance: Use an amount suited to your personal tolerance.
Latex Sensitivity: People with a latex allergy might experience a cross-reaction to cayenne.
Dosage: While there is no standard dose, some suggest 2-4 mg daily, but it is best to speak with a doctor.
Supporting Natural Remedies
Quercetin-Rich Foods: Onions, apples, and berries contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine.
Other Remedies: Ginger, garlic, and using a neti pot can provide additional relief from allergy symptoms.
It
is important to note that while cayenne pepper helps manage symptoms,
it does not cure the underlying allergy. Always consult a healthcare
professional before making drastic changes, especially if you take other
medications.
Here are Some Natural Allergy Relief Options to Consider:
1. Food
Tohelp keep airways
clear when pollen counts are high, add some cayenne pepper, hot ginger,
fenugreek as well as garlic and onions to your next meal. Put a sliver
of wasabi on that sushi and add a dash of horseradish or hot mustard to
your sandwich.And, if you have an adventurous spirit
or just want fast relief, purchase grated horseradish, and take 1/4
teaspoon to alleviate allergy symptoms.A German study, published in the Allergy Journal
also found that participants who ate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
were less likely to suffer allergy symptoms than those who didn’t.
Omega-3s are found in cold-water fish, walnuts, flaxseed oil as well as
grass-fed meat and eggs.
☕
2. Tea – Throughout the centuries allergy sufferers
have sipped hot tea to provide relief for clogged-up noses and irritated
mucous membranes. But not all teas are created equal. The benefits of
peppermint tea rate above and beyond its counterparts. Substances in
peppermint contain anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial
constituents. Also, the essential oils act as a natural decongestant. In
any event, you just can’t beat the delicious aroma.
👃
3. Rinse
Besides rinsing pollen out of your hair, use a saline solution to
remove upper respiratory allergies and irritants that become lodged
inside the nose. This treatment has been used for centuries in Eastern
societies and it is one your Western doctor will probably approve. One
way to rinse the nose is to use a Neti Pot or a large squeeze bottle
filled with a premixed saline solution from the drug store. Better yet,
make your own by mixing a teaspoon of salt (preferably kosher or sea
salt) in a pint of warm distilled water and add a pinch of baking soda.
Then, lean over a sink and sniff a bit of the solution into one nostril
at a time, allowing it to drain back out through the nose or mouth; do
this once or twice a day. Dr. Sezelle Gereau Haddon,
an attending otolaryngologist at the Beth Israel Medical Center
Department of Integrative Medicine in New York City tells patients to
pant like a puppy, which lifts the palate and closes off the back of the
nose so you don’t get that drowning sensation. As with any treatment,
i’ts best to check with your doctor before trying this remedy.
👃
4. Nasal Sprays and Sanitizers:
You can make your
own nasal spray solution by adding freeze-dried nettles and goldenseal
herb to salt water. Or, you can go take a simpler route and use Nozin® Allergy Master®
all natural nasal spray which relieves nasal inflammation, congestion,
sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose while building protection without
side effects. Fully tested and backed by science Nozin® Allergy Master®
is homeopathic and uses natural products such as jojoba, coconut oil,
aloe vera, vitamin E and other antioxidant rich moisturizers that offer
hours of nasal misery relief.
💊
5. Quercitin:
If antihistamines are one of your
go-to drugs but it leaves you feeling drowsy, tired, or unable to focus,
Quercitin may be just the substitute you have been looking for. It
works as an antihistamine but without the attending side effects. It’s
easy to get a dose in supplement form or from a number of everyday
foods, including apples, dark berries, onions, sage, parsley, tea and
wine. Check with your doctor first if you’re interested in Quercetin
supplements for you or your child. There is some evidence that
Quercetin may control the release of histamine and other chemicals that
help initiate the allergic response.
While you are trying these all natural remedies, keep in mind that
almost anything in nature’s pharmacy can cause a toxic reaction if you
use too much. Most importantly, consult a doctor before trying new
treatments and products.
10 Steps to Seasonal Allergy Relief
Every year amidst the beauty of an emerging season whether it is
spring or fall, chaos happens in the headspace of millions of otherwise
healthy people.
Seasonal allergic reaction is an abnormal response
by the body to allergens in the environment such as mold or pollen from
trees, weeds, flowers and grasses. It is an inflammatory condition that
leaves eyes, noses, and throats itchy, runny and scratchy. Since Mother
Nature seems to be pulling out all the stops with a high pollen count
so early in the season for 2012, it makes sense to find ways to keep
symptoms in check.
Here are 10 things you can do to control allergy interference in your life for Allergy Season 2012:
🍏
Make an appointment with an allergist to determine
the specific trigger or cause of your allergic reaction. People have
gotten rid of their pets only to learn that the pet wasn’t the cause of
their allergic reaction. You can get more facts on allergies from AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America).
🍏 To limit your exposure to seasonal triggers, check the daily pollen and mold counts
for your community in the local newspaper, in weather reports, or on
the Internet. Stay indoors in high-allergen times and keep windows
closed. 🍏 When outdoors, wear a mask to keep pollen and
moldspores from entering your airways. An N95 respirator mask —
available at most drugstores and medical supply stores — will block 95%
of small particles, such as pollen and other allergens. To avoid
dispersing these allergens inside your home; leave your shoes at the
door then take a shower and change your clothes.
🍏
Keeping your home clean
is one of the best ways to keep indoor allergens at bay. Try cleaning
with ordinary household products like vinegar or baking soda.If your
allergies are severe, consider having someone else do the cleaning.
Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter to trap allergens. 🍏 Try a doctor recommended natural allergy medicine – NOZIN® Allergy Master® nasal sprayhelps relieve nasal inflammation, congestion, sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose plus build protection without the side effects generally
associated with allergy medications. Formulated with natural oils,
clinically proven Allergy Master® soothes nasal dryness, is non-drowsy
and works up to12 hours. 🍏 Turning the focus to the kitchen, some experts say hot, spicy foods can help to relieve allergies.
The reason: The spicier the dish, the more likely it is to thin mucous
secretions, which in turn can clear nasal passages. Cayenne pepper, hot
ginger, and fenugreek as well as the traditional onion and garlic are
the most frequently recommended spices for this purpose. 🍏 According to New York University allergist Clifford Bassett, MD,
what you don’t eat may be even more important than what you do eat. If
you suffer from ragweed or other weed pollen allergies, he suggests
that you avoid eating melon, banana, cucumber, sunflower seeds,
chamomile, and any herbal supplements containing Echinacea; all of which
can make symptoms much worse.
🍏
Hot fluids — such as teas, broth, or soup
— may be especially soothing because they add the benefits of steam.
Inhaling steam is a simple way to alleviate the discomfort of nasal
congestion and can ease breathing when you are suffering from allergies.
🍏
Finally, massage is a surprising remedy known to
stop the brain from sending allergic responses that cause wheezing and
sneezing. Additionally, it helps lower blood pressure, heart rate and
stress levels while improving your body’s circulation.
Coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat are all
signs of an allergic reaction. Take some extra steps this allergy
season to get relief!
Broccoli, as a member of the crucifer
family, is one of the Super Foods that help to clear out sinuses and is
full of Vitamin C which helps to relieve allergies. 1 cup of broccoli
has 80 mg of the recommended 500 mg per day!
🍎
Apples
Apples have high levels of quercetin and they can help fight allergies by acting like antihistamines.
🍃
Kale
Kale is also a member of the crucifer
family and additionally contains the important carotenoid - organic
pigments that are thought to have allergy fighting properties.
🎃
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are rich in allergy-fighting
carotenoids - having healthy levels of this form of Vitamin A are needed
to ward off allergies.
🍋
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are high delivery for the
500 mg/ day Vitamin C department - oranges can contain up to 100 mg of
Vitamin C & half of a large grapefruit can contain up to 60 mg.
🍃
Stinging Nettles
Stinging Nettles may sound intimidating
but they contain histamines which can help you acquire tolerance and
also helps to reduce the inflammation that occurs when you're
experiencing allergy symptoms.
Have you ever thought of eating your way to allergy relief?
Mother Nature has provided us with a culinary bounty when it comes to
foods that can help reduce allergy symptoms or have allergy-fighting
properties, plus they are all super healthy in other ways too!
Most of these are foods that can be incorporated into daily snacks
and meals, cups of tea and soups. Pick up an extra pumpkin when buying
one to carve for Halloween!
Time to get your forks and knives ready and have a bite (or two) of these 6 foods to help seasonal allergies.
Of course it's tempting to open your windows and let in the fresh spring breeze after a long winter, but when you do so, you're allowing a cloud of pollen to enter your house, says James Li, MD, board-certified asthma and allergy specialist and chair of the division of allergic diseases in the department of internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
Minn. It may be a sacrifice, but it's better to keep the doors and windows of your home and car closed if you have spring allergies.
💨
Use Allergy Filters on Your AC.
It's better to
run your air conditioning than to open the windows on warm spring days,
but be sure to use a good air filter on your ventilation unit to catch
and filter out pollen.
🌸
Check the Pollen Levels.
If your allergies are worse on high-pollen days, listen to the pollen count report before deciding how much time to spend outside. When pollen levels are high, exercise indoors and avoid outdoor activities if possible. You can get pollen and mold counts on your local news radio station or online with Everyday Health's allergy pollen counter.
👃
Saline Nasal Sprays or Rinses.
Over-the-counter saline sprays, squeeze bottles, or neti pot rinses can help to irrigate your nasal passages and remove mucus, debris, and allergens. These may not be as effective as corticosteroid nasal sprays, though.
💊
Antihistamines.
Over-the-counter antihistamines
work by blocking histamine that causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, and itching. Some types of antihistamines are less likely to make you drowsy, such as loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra). Cetirizine (Zyrtec) may cause mild drowsiness in some people. However, medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) definitely cause drowsiness, and you shouldn't drive when you take them, Li says. Be sure to read medication labels carefully. Antihistamines
can also be taken in the form of a nasal spray, such as azelastine (Astepro).
💊💨
Decongestants.
Decongestants can be taken as
pills or nasal sprays, and come in over-the-counter and prescription varieties. They're also sometimes combined with antihistamines. There are many over-the-counter decongestants, including the ingredients phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). Decongestants can act as mild stimulants, so your doctor should monitor you if you take them regularly, even if it's only an over-the-counter formula, Li says. Possible side effects of decongestants may include sleeplessness or tremors. Also, people with high blood pressure may need to avoid oral decongestants; talk to your doctors before taking one, even if it's available over the counter. Decongestant nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and others shouldn't be used for longer than a few days because they will end up making nasal congestion worse if used for longer. Read the package instructions, and never exceed the recommended duration of use.
👀
Eye drops.
Antihistamine and
antihistamine-decongestant eye drops are available both by prescription
and over the counter. They work in a similar way to oral drugs.
💉
Allergy Shots.
If you aren't getting enough relief from medication or are experiencing side effects, allergy shots
at your doctor's office may be more effective. You will first need to be tested to identify exactly what is causing your symptoms. People who take several allergy medications can often reduce the number to one when they switch to shots, Li says. Allergy shots are usually given once a week during a build-up period, and then once a month for several months afterward.
You have many options to get relief from spring allergies. However, to most effectively manage your particular allergy symptoms, consult with your doctor to find the best long-term choices.
🌻🌷🌹🌻🌼🌷🌹🌼🌷🌹🌻🌼
Tips for Reducing Indoor Allergies
Here are some ways you can reduce the potential allergens in your home:
Keep humidity levels low. "Keeping the relative humidity less than 50 percent is going to be important," says McNairn. You can lower the humidity in your home by using a dehumidifier in damp areas such as a basement.
Use hardwood, linoleum, or tile. Replace
carpeting and rugs with hard-surface flooring. Your carpet and rugs can
trap in allergens within the fibers, as opposed to hard surface
flooring, which you can regularly dust.
Clean carpeting. If you are unable or unwilling
to remove all carpet, have your carpeting and rugs regularly cleaned to
reduce the amount of allergens in them.
Cover your bedding. Use special allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers under regular sheets and pillowcases.
Wash bedding. Wash bedding in hot water and dry it on high heat weekly.
Leave the cleaning to someone else. Have your
floors regularly vacuumed with a HEPA (high efficiency particle air)
vacuum. "It's a good idea for the allergic person not to do the
cleaning," says McNairn. "If they do, they should wear a face mask and
goggles." HEPA vacuums suck up smaller particles than do traditional
vacuum cleaners, leaving you with fewer allergens left behind.
Find pets a new home. In the case of animal
dander allergies, consider removing a pet from the home or keeping the
pet outdoors. And keep pets out of the bedroom.
Cover food. Store food in tight-lidded containers, and keep your home clean to prevent cockroach infestation.
Rid the house of cockroaches. If you see a cockroach, have a professional exterminator get rid of any remaining roaches.
Eliminate visible mold. "Any visible mold should be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution," says McNairn.
Consider an indoor air cleaner. "HEPA air cleaners can help with pet dander," says McNairn. There are many varieties available; for more on air purifiers, see Allergy Relief for Indoor Air Pollution.
Controlling indoor allergens during the winter months will make life more comfortable for anyone who's allergic to them. The added bonus: You’ll always have a clean house!
🌻🌷🌹🌻🌼🌷🌹🌼🌷🌹🌻🌼
🧹Dust Mites * Dander * Roaches *Mold 🧹
Household dust, pet dander, cockroach droppings, and mold are
common indoor allergens that can trigger allergies in susceptible
people.
Dust. Found in all homes, dust is the breeding
ground for microscopic organisms called dust mites. The droppings of these dust mites are a common trigger for indoor allergies. Though dust mites can be found just about everywhere, they are particularly common in
humid parts of the house and where human dander (flakes of dead skin) collects.
Animal dander, or the dead skin flakes of warm-blooded animals, contains proteins that can trigger allergies in some people.
Mold. While many molds do not survive outdoors
after the first winter frost, they can linger in your home throughout the winter, especially in humid areas such as basements or bathrooms. "Be very careful if you have a humidifier on your furnace or a room humidifier because you can end up with mold growth," says Dr. McNairn. Spores released by mold can act as allergens in some people.
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