A Look at the Power of Plants
Can a Vegan Diet
One of the pillars of holistic health is the idea that food is nature’s medicine. But while no one is arguing the fact that fruits and vegetables are good for you, there is plenty of debate about just how good they are. Can the right diet cure a cold? Counteract the flu? Prevent cancer? Many vegans, vegetarians, and other plant-based eaters say yes. The cancer question has been on the minds of an increasing number of researchers in the last 30 years. Because cancer afflicts roughly 38% of the U.S. population, it’s an urgent problem and an ever-fluctuating area of study. However, in the last decade, scientists have reached a tentative consensus on the impact of diet on cancer prevention, and it’s a feather in the cap of holistic health. First, let’s get this straight: Going vegan isn’t a surefire way to prevent cancer, and it certainly can’t cure it. But studies do show that sticking to a plant-based diet — and specifically cutting out meat — lowers your risk of cancer. According to Lindsey Wohlford, a dietitian with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, this is in part because plant-based foods contain phytochemicals, which boost the immune system. Plant-based foods are also a great
source of fiber, which lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and helps regulate the bowels. As she put it, “Meat just doesn’t do that.” A comprehensive study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that dietary factors are estimated to be responsible for 35% of all cancer cases, and that most studies have found vegetarian diets are “modestly cancer protective,” reducing risk by 10–12%. Studies also link red and processed meats to eight different cancer types and claim the risks meat poses are amplified when it’s fried, grilled, or barbecued. According to the studies, these processes form potentially carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines. The American Institute of Cancer Research recommends a plant-based diet for cancer prevention but doesn’t ask Americans to ditch meat and dairy entirely. Instead, the website claims that as long as you stick to “moderate to small” amounts of animal-based foods, you can have your meat and decrease your cancer risk too.
Prevent Cancer?
Who Knows Teething Better Than Your Dentist?
TIPS TO EASE THIS PAINFUL PROCESS
Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned veteran, you’re likely dreading a particularly difficult period during your baby’s first year: teething. According to eMedicineHealth, a branch of WebMD, teething can begin in infants as young as 2 months old, even though the first tooth usually doesn’t appear until about 6 months old. For most babies, the first tooth is one of the lower middle teeth, known as incisors. As the tooth penetrates the gums, the area may appear slightly red or swollen, and the process can cause a lot of discomfort for little ones and their parents. A number of home remedies have been passed down through generations, but who better to offer advice to worried parents than dentists? Here are three tips to keep in mind if your baby is starting the teething process.
is teething and experiencing more than just the above symptoms, you may need to take them to the doctor or dentist.
2. Use soothing remedies. To provide some relief, consider gently massaging your baby’s sore gums with a clean finger or soft cloth. You can also use cold, but not frozen, rubber teething rings. Since your baby’s gums are very sensitive, contact with frozen items might cause more pain. Be sure to keep a clean cloth nearby, as teething causes excessive drooling. Routinely clean your baby’s chin and neck to reduce irritation. 3. Schedule a visit. It’s common for parents to believe all of their child’s baby teeth should emerge before scheduling a dental appointment, but pediatric experts recommend babies have their first visit before their first birthday. Having a dentist monitor how your little one’s teeth come in will stave off future complications, alleviate potential fear of future appointments, and teach your child good dental hygiene at a young age.
1. Recognize symptoms. According to Edward Moody, the former president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, look for signs like irritability accompanied by biting or chewing on hard objects, drooling, swelling and tenderness, refusing food, and disrupted sleep. If your baby
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