DRY MOUTH

Do you suffer from dry mouth? Ever feel like your mouth has turned to cotton?  Certain medications can cause this; aging and post-menopause are other causes and I'm sure there are probably many more. Here are a few suggestions to try if you suffer from dry mouth:

• Forget traditional mouthwash. Alcohol and harsh chemicals can kill off beneficial bacteria in the mouth and make matters worse. Try using mouthwash that is alcohol-free.
• Snack on raw veggies, especially carrots and celery. Such snacking stimulates saliva flow, cleans the teeth and helps the mouth to feel moist.
• Sip on green tea. The antioxidants called catechins that may support oral health. Also, the tea helps keep you hydrated, another key to easing dryness. Aim for 2 to 3 cups daily. Either hot tea or iced tea is fine. And drinking decaf is okay.
• Sugar-free gum is also a way to stimulate saliva and help with dry mouth.

Of course, if dry mouth becomes a problem with swallowing or persistent bad breath, see a doctor and/or a dentist. 

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YO-YO DIETING

Are you or have you ever been a yo-yo dieter? If so, you have probably been told how bad that is for your body. A new BMC Medicine study found those who have lost weight, regained it, lost it, regained it again and again showed surprising improvements. Their abdominal fat profile and metabolic markers were 15% to 25% better, with improved insulin function and cholesterol levels. Of course there is a name for this. Scientists call it "cardiometabolic memory". That appears to be a fancy way of saying the body learns from the good you did it from what you did in the past.

I do not recommend yo-yo dieting. However, if you have fallen into that trap, perhaps you have not harmed your body as much as you may have thought.

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BRAINIACS AND BERRIES

Would you like to sharpen up your thinking skills? I think many of us would. The answer could be as simple as adding berries regularly to your diet. Recently, a major analysis of 59 different clinical trials, found that eating blueberries and blackberries regularly significantly improved memory, attention, and processing speed. The reason is the anthocyanins, pigments that give the berries their pretty color and also ease neuroinflammation and boost blood flow to the brain. The findings showed that eating 1/2 cup of the berries a day is enough to make a difference. Of course, the longer you stick with that regimen, the greater the benefits. There are several ways to make sure you are getting the berries in your diet. Of course you could just eat them. You could also start making it a habit to add them to muffins, breads, pancakes, salads, etc. Why not give it a try and eat or snack like a brainiac.

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CIRCADIAN RHYTHM TRICK

Erin Stokes, N,D. gives us a little advice about getting better sleep. Here is a key to help us unlock better sleep. This tip starts in the morning! Reset your circadian rhythm. In the morning get up, open the curtains or blinds and let the sunlight in. Ms. Stokes says, "Exposure to early natural sunlight syncs your circadian rhythm, making you energized during the day and sleepy at night." 

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MAGNESIUM AND SPINACH

 That little green leafy vegetable known as spinach is one of the higher vegetables for magnesium. One cup of cooked spinach provides around 40% of the recommended daily magnesium intake. Why is magnesium important? According to Registered Dietitian Sonya Angelone, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, magnesium factors into more than 300 reactions in the body. Important things like the body's ability to break down protein, helping muscles to function, and energy production. Magnesium also helps carry calcium and potassium across cell membranes.

You may want to take Popeye's advice and eat your spinach. Don't like spinach? Toss a few leaves in soups and casseroles. Add some fresh baby spinach leaves to your salad. If you aren't getting enough magnesium in your diet, you may need to rely on some supplements. Discuss with your doctor, if you think your magnesium levels might be low.

Spinach is just one of several foods containing magnesium. The photo below shows some of the others.

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HAVE A GOOD LAUGH

Laughter is good medicine, and that is no joke! Studies show that laughter helps boost the body's immunity, eases pain, relives stress and lowers blood pressure. And think of this, laughter is free, it is without side effects and generally makes one feel better. If you have trouble being a happy person who laughs easily, make it a point to spend time with people who make you laugh and smile. It's good for your health!

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FROZEN MARSHMALLOWS FOR OUCHIES

If you have little ones around, you know bumps, bruises, scrapes will happen. Keeping a bag of marshmallows in your freezer might be a good idea.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissue, according to Dr. Tesfu. This causes painful joints and should be treated by a rheumatologist. Symptoms include joints that are swollen, warm and tender. Also, morning stiffness that does not go away after being up for 30 minutes, Fatigue is also a symptom, not the usual tiredness but a deep fatigue.

It is said by the medical community that around 12% to 15% of postmenopausal women with painful joints have rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Nora Singer, a rheumatologist, said, "Smoking and periodontal disease both predispose women to RA. Stopping smoking and visiting the dentist regularly are both important."

What to do if you think you have RA? There is some evidence that the Mediterranean diet may be helpful. Beyond your diet, you need the help of a good rheumatologist. Dr. Singer stated, "The earlier we treat RA, the more effective the treatment appears to be." See your doctor at the first sign of RA. You will probably need to see your primary doctor who will then refer you to a good rheumatologist. Getting appointments with doctors often takes a while, especially when being referred to a specialist.

There are many famous people who have rheumatoid arthritis including Terry Bradshaw. If you suspect you have RA, go to the doctor for a diagnosis. If it is RA, get started on treatment right away and remember lots of people who have RA live normal lives.

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OSTEOARTHRITIS

Have you ever heard someone say that they have arthritis? There are several types of arthritis, but most people who say they have arthritis have osteoarthritis. It is the most common type of arthritis, per Blen Teshu, M.D. "Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in joints wears away from years of wear and tear," said Dr. Teshu. Symptoms include joint pain with activity, morning stiffness that improves within. 30 minutes, and a grinding or clicking sensation in affected joints.

What can you do to help with those symptoms mentioned above? First of all, stay active. Movement and activity are helpful. Don't stay in bed or in your favorite chair. Another simple thing you can do is avoid untraprocessed foods. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can, always good for health.

What about medications? Try nonsteroidal over the counter meds. These medications known as NSAIDs include products such as Advil, Aleve, or their generic counterparts. You can also try creams or gels that can give joint relief. If you have to eventually go to prescription meds, follow your doctor's advice. 

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis can have a stronger inflammatory component that may require stronger medications. This will be determined by your doctor, and he/she will provide the prescription that is right for you. 

THE ANSWER TO YESTERDAY'S QUESTION

 Did you make a guess at the answer to yesterday's question? Did you play sneaky and look up the answer? For those who waited for the answer, the answer is number 2, the ears. Strange as it may sound, the ears can lengthen over time because of gravity and skin elasticity changes. Now, how many of you went to the mirror to look at your ears?

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