Federal Trade Commission Penalized Herbalife With $200M Fine

The diet and nutrition company Herbalife has been hit by the Federal Trade Commission with a $200 million fine and ordered them to restructure their business after  allegations of “unfair and deceptive practices.”

The Cayman Islands company agreed to fully restructure its U.S. business operations and pay a $200 million settlement over allegations that it deceived consumers, but it avoided more serious charges that it was operating as a pyramid scheme.

The FTC said that the settlement is a “significant law enforcement action,” but the company claimed it as a victory in its fight against claims it was operating a pyramid-style scheme.

“The company promised people a dream – a chance to change their lives, quit their jobs and gain financial freedom,” FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez told reporters, “but the FTC has charged that this wasn’t true.”

“Herbalife is going to have to start operating legitimately, making only truthful claims about how much money its members are likely to make, and it will have to compensate consumers for the losses they have suffered as a result of what we charge are unfair and deceptive practices," she added.

The company was charged for deceiving thousands of people into believing they could make money as “distributors,” or salespeople, of Herbalife products when the only real money was actually in buying the products themselves and then recruiting other salespeople to do the actual selling.

Also there are a lot of Herbalife independent distributors that promises medical miracle that is simply untrue despite company policies that prevents them from doing so. A news reporter who was wearing a hidden camera was told by a Herbalife distributor that a woman with a brain tumor became symptom free after starting on Herbalife products.



“She used to shake like this because she lost control of her motor skills to the tumor and she said part of her cerebellum was deteriorated,” he said. “If you see her now, she’s like one of us here... Whatever it is that the product did, it helped her a lot.”

Study: People Who Consumed Less Water Tend to be Obese

A new study shows that people who drink less water has more chances to be obese. The average water consumption in the U.S. about 4 cups a day which is not enough. While, despite a huge focus and support diet and physical activity the country is still experiencing increasing obesity rates.

Some researchers link low water consumption to obesity. In a new study published in the Annals of Family Medicine, experts used latest data from about 9,500 adults enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey (NHANES), a nationally representative sample of what Americans are eating. The data also contain information on how hydrated the subjects are by measuring the concentration of their urine.

“There’s so much focus on food and exercise, but so much more than just food and exercise goes into weight,” says Dr. Tammy Chang, assistant professor in the department of family medicine at the University of Michigan medical school.

About 33% of the people who took part in the study were not taking enough water. The study also found a link between dehydration and obesity. People who don't drink enough water had higher BMIs than those who do.

Of course those who are obese need more water than people who have smaller bodies, making the hydration threshold potentially harder to attain. People who are obese eat less and take fewer calories when they drink water before a meal than if they eat it without water.

So how will you know if you are well hydrated? Dr. Tammy Chang said that the most reliable way to check it is through the color of your urine. Light colored urine almost the same color of water means that you are well hydrated. If it’s dark, you need to drink more water.

You can also take water and be hydrated by eating fresh fruits and vegetables which contains a lot of water. A cup of sliced radishes contains about 120ml of water, while a 2-cup serving of watermelon or 1 cucumber contains more than a cup of water.

“They’re good for you because of their nutritional value, while you’re improving your hydration as well,” Chang says.

However, the link between hydration and obesity needs more study. “More studies are needed to understand the directionality,” Chang says. “But staying hydrated is good for you no matter what.”

Paracetamol or acetaminophen consumption during pregnancy risk having an autistic child or kids with ADHD

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen or APAP, is a medication used to treat pain and fever. It is usually used for mild to moderate pain. According to a new study, taking paracetamol or acetaminophen during pregnancy is linked to autism and ADHD in children.

Their study also showed that exposure to paracetamol while pregnant raises the risk of autism spectrum diseases more in boys and it was associated with higher rates of ADHD in both male and female.

“The male brain may be more vulnerable to harmful influences during early life. Our differing gender results suggest that androgenic endocrine disruption, to which male brains could be more sensitive, may explain the association,” lead author Claudia Avella-Garcia, researcher at Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), a Spanish research organization.

The study also suggests that children who are regularly exposed to the common medicine while in the womb were more likely to show signs of both conditions.

Persistently exposed children in particular showed poorer performance in attention, impulsivity and visual speed processing. The children who were exposed to the medicine were at higher risk of hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms at age 5.

“It can also affect the development of the immune system, or be directly toxic to some foetuses that may not have the same capacity as an adult to metabolise this drug, or by creating oxidative stress,” noted Jordi Julvez, one of the researchers from CREAL.

"Paracetamol or acetaminophen relieves pain by acting on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Since these receptors normally help determine how neurons mature and connect with one another, paracetamol could alter these important processes", researchers added.

The study used data from 2,644 mother-child pairs, 88% were evaluated when the child was 1 year old, and 79.9% were evaluated when they were 5 years old. About 43% of children evaluated at age of 1 and 41% assessed at age 5 were exposed to any Paracetamol at some point during the first 32 weeks of pregnancy.

The children were assessed again when they turn 5 years old and exposed children were at higher risk of hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms. Persistently exposed children in particular showed poorer performance on a computerised test measuring inattention, impulsivity and visual speed processing, the study found. Boys also showed more symptoms of autism when persistently exposed to Paracetamol.

They also reiterated that further is needed to determine the precise dosage measurements, and that the risks versus benefits of Paracetamol use during pregnancy and early life should be assessed before treatment recommendations are made.

Official guidelines say Paracetamol should be taken only if necessary in pregnancy and for the shortest possible time.

While Professor Alan Cameron, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, disagree with the research he said "Paracetamol is one of the most common medicines used to reduce a high temperature and ease pain, it is safe and is used routinely during all stages of pregnancy." The preliminary results from this study suggest that frequent Paracetamol use throughout pregnancy may impact attention function and slightly increase the risk of hyperactivity in the offspring at aged 5 years old.

"No effect on cognitive, motor or social development was identified." He added, "It is important to highlight from these results we cannot determine a direct link between Paracetamol usage and any neurodevelopmental problems. Future studies should take into account dosage as well as other possible contributory factors. However, women should not be alarmed by the results of this study and we recommend that pregnant women continue to follow current guidance and take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time when necessary."

The research was published in the International Journal Of Epidemiology.

Top Brain Supplements 2016

Do you need that extra boost for your brain to survive a college exam or a career licensing exams? Then why not take a pill that will give you superhuman intelligence like in the movies Limitless and Lucy. Unfortunately, like everything in Hollywood those pills are not true and they don't exist in the present. There are no hyper-advanced, underground, quasi-illegal pill that can give you access to 100% of your brain abilities.

In the movie Limitless Eddie Morra played by Bradley Cooper has acquired superhuman brain abilities after taking the mysterious NZT-48 pill. Unfortunately, a real "NZT-48" pill doesn't exist.

If you search online about NZT-48 pill you get hundreds of results claiming to NZT-48 pill or Limitless pill but will now give you real study about it.

But according to Rolling Stone there's a pill called Modafinil or Provigil that can give you enhance cognitive ability, these are drugs are commonly prescribed for individuals with narcolepsy. Modafinil is knows as smart drug the movie "Limitless" was based around it.

People who uses Modafinil said that it actually work, they say it makes you alert. There are no known side-effects of taking Modafinil but the study is scarce so we will never know just yet. Modafinil is also used as an add-on to medication in people with schizophrenia, to try to improve their cognitive function. 

However, according to this article who actually taken the drugs it does have annoying side-effects:

He took "100mg, or half a pill, for beginners, so I split one in half and had it at 10:45 AM. By 11:30 AM, I felt no different, so in classic impatient high chasing, I had the other half. I felt the effects by midday: It was like having a really strong coffee without the edginess. I realized that I didn't want to do anything else that day other than write this piece. I was supposed to be calling my friend at lunch, and I was annoyed that I had to do that. I could definitely see how this would be great if you had an essay to write, and you had all the research there for you. Other effects: I'm usually ready to chew someone's arm off by 1 PM, but I'd lost my appetite completely. My mouth was like a bag of sawdust, no matter how much water I drank. I didn't have any caffeine all day and didn't need it or even think about needing it, which is unusual, as it's normally a pretty vital part of my routine. Later, my editor asked me to draft someone else's piece, and I can't remember the last time I was so irritated. I realized I was growling at the screen."

"The only immediate downsides were a) that it made me feel quite horny, which isn't ideal at work, and b) that I had a throbbing headache from 3 PM onwards that lasted through to the next day", he added.

It seems that these supplements can really improve your focus, memory and motivation.

Other supplements that can give you the edge are:

SmartX – All in one $67.49
Ginkgo Biloba $24.99
Super Potent & Natural Brain, Memory & Mind Booster $15.77

More brain supplements here

Experts Say Crocs are Bad for your Feet

Leading podiatrists claim that wearing Crocs rubber shoes for long periods of time may cause heel or arch pain and they are warning people about it.

Yes, they are ugly and colorful but people love them for the comfort it gives. Famous people wear them like Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Tyler and even the Duchess of Cambridge.

Dr Megan Leahy, a podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute in Chicago, told the Huffington Post Crocs aren’t suitable for “everyday use.” They do have a "nice" arch support, but they are seriously lacking in other areas.

“These shoes do not adequately secure the heel,” Leahy told the Huffington Post. “When the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip which can lead to tendinitis, worsening of toe deformities, nail problems, corns and calluses. The same thing can happen with flip flops or any backless shoes as the heel is not secured.”

She said that Crocs can be worn for short period of time like a trip to the mall or the beach but should not be worn for long walks for extended periods of time.

Crocs Footwear on Amazon

Saturated Fat Is Essential To A Healthy Diet

We’ve been told by the mainstream media that saturated fat is unhealthy and we should avoid it at all cost. Which is why there a hundreds of products that are labeled low or zero fat products. They said that consuming low or zero fat products will  keep your weight in check and your heart healthy. As it turns out, it's more complicated than that.

What they failed to do is they don't differentiate between good fats and harmful fats.

“Fats” are macronutrients. They are nutrients that we consume in large amounts and give us energy. Each fat molecule is made of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids, they can be either saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.

Good fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Bad ones include industrial-made trans fats. Saturated fats fall somewhere in the middle.

According to Dr. John Briffa and cutting back on saturated fat is not beneficial to your heart's health and saturated fat dangers are absurdly exaggerated. Researchers did not found a link between saturated fat intake and a higher risk of heart disease, cardiovascular disease, or stroke in meta-analysis of 21 studies. This findings is a complete turnaround from what they are advicing to cut down on our consumption of saturated fats.

http://www.thecholesteroltruth.com/saturated-fat-heart-health-benefits/

Eating butter in moderation is good for your health, since it is high in vitamins, beneficial saturated fats, the sort of cholesterol that is vital for brain and nervous system development and various natural compounds with anti-fungal, antioxidant and even anti-cancer properties.

Saturated fats is prevalent in the diet of people in the U.S. These fats appears as at room temperature similar to cooled bacon grease, while fats that are mostly unsaturated are liquid at room temperature, just like olive oil. Common sources of saturated fat include red meat, whole milk and other whole-milk dairy foods, cheese, butter, coconut oil, and many commercially prepared baked goods and other foods.

It was assumed as one of the causes of heart disease since it raise cholesterol levels in the blood, but there are no experimental evidence that linked saturated fats directly to heart disease. Yes, saturated fats raise HDL (the “good”) cholesterol and change LDL from small, dense (bad) to Large LDL, which is mostly benign. Overall, saturated fats do not harm the blood lipid profile like previously believed.

If you remove saturated fats from your diet, you’ll lose plenty of health benefits that you should be getting from it. For example, saturated fats contain antiviral agents. They help maintain cell membranes. Several key vitamins like D, E, K, and A are fat-soluble.

The “Bad” fats you should avoid is artificial trans fats, studies show that trans fats lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, belly fat accumulation and drastically raise the risk of heart disease.

So eat your saturated fats, monounsaturated fats and Omega-3s, but do everything to avoid trans fats and processed vegetable oils like the plague. The fats that are really harmful to your health are artificial trans fats and processed vegetable oils high in Omega-6 fatty acids.

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Yoga For Back Pain (Stretches and Exercises)

Cross Leg Seated twist - This pose is okay for all levels, from beginners to seasoned yoga practitioners. It stretches the hips, knees, and ankles. This exercise will give flexibility to your spine, shoulders, and chest.

It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Twisting stimulates and tones your abdominal organs, including the kidneys and digestive organs.

Instructions:
- sit up straight on a yoga mat with your legs folded toward your torso.
- Balance your weight evenly across your sit bones. Align your head, neck, and spine. Lengthen your spine, but soften your neck. Relax your feet and thighs.
- put your right hand on the floor behind you. Place your left hand to the outside of your right knee, twist gently to the right while you exhale. Do not push hard against your knee to force a deeper twist.
-  twist only as far as you can go while keeping your head aligned directly over your tailbone.
- Hold for up to 10 breaths.
- Exhale as you come back to the center.
- Change the cross of your legs and repeat the twist on the opposite side for the same length of time.

Knee to Chest (rock side to side) - This pose relieves excess digestive air, indigestion, bloating, flatulence, acidity, and constipation. It also relieves lower back pain.

Instructions:
- lie on a soft yoga mat on your back with your legs and arms extended.
- exhale while you pull both of your knees to your chest.
- put your hands around your shins. Clasp each elbow with the opposite hand.
- Keep your back flat on the mat. Release your shoulder blades down toward your waist.
- Draw your tailbone and sacrum down toward the mat, lengthening your spine even more.
- softly rock backward and forward or side-to-side for a gentle spinal massage.
- Tuck your chin slightly and gaze down the center line of your body.
- Hold for up to one minute. Keep your breath smooth and even.

Lying Single Leg Twist (keep bottom leg straight and shoulder on floor) - if your lower back and hip muscles are tight it will have an adverse effect to your spinal flexibility and it's one of the major cause of back pain. The lying single leg spinal twist lengthens and loosens hip and low back muscles, reducing tightness and helping improve posture.

Instructions:
- on a soft yoga mat lie on your back with your both hands placed by your sides.
- Raise your left leg while keeping your right leg planted on the ground.
- slowly drop your left knee to your right side without turning or moving your head.
- gently push the knee down with your right hand until you feel a stretch in your low back. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- return to the starting position and repeat the exercise with the other leg.


Single Leg Hamstring Stretch - this is a good stretch for the hamstrings and it stretches your lower back.

Instructions:
- Sit on the floor with your right leg straight in front of you and your left leg bent and the bottom of your foot against the inside of the opposite thigh.
- Lean over and hold onto your foot until you feel a stretch in your hamstring. 
- Hold stretch for 20 seconds. Repeat with opposite leg.
- Maintaining good pelvic alignment and keeping your chest up is important to prevent lower back injuries during this stretch and will maximize the stretch on the hamstrings.
- keep your back straight..


Straight Leg Seated Twist (left hand to right knee, twist to your right) - it increases flexibility in each vertebrae of the spine, from the base of the spine through the neck. it relieves symptoms of backache, fatigue, menstrual discomfort and sciatica.

Instructions:
- sit on a yoga mat.
- Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the ground outside of your left thigh. You can keep your left leg long, or bend it and place your left heel under your right glute.
- Turn your torso to the right and take your right hand to the ground behind your sacrum. Wrap your left arm around your right leg and place your right hand on the ground behind your sacrum.
- Inhale deeply to lengthen your spine, then take your left arm outside of your right thigh. Use your arm pressing into your thigh and your thigh pressing into your arm to twist on your exhale. Keep this breathing pattern for at least 3 deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.

Legs up against the wall, feet straight up relax your spine - This pose also gives blood circulation a gentle boost toward the upper body and head. It also relieves lower-back pain.

BalanceFrom Go Yoga All Purpose Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap $19.95 
YogaAccessories (TM) 1/4'' Extra Thick High Density Yoga Mat (Phthalate Free) $20.95  

- also check out 3 Easy Stretches to Prevent Back Pain