Nails: How to keep your fingernails healthy and strong

Nails: How to keep your fingernails healthy and strong

Date updated: November 30, 2007
Content provided by MayoClinic.com

Your nails may be small but they play an important role, serving to help protect your fingers and improve dexterity. They may also reveal clues to your general health.

Take a close look at your nails. Are they strong and healthy looking? Or do you see ridges, dents or areas of unusual color or shape? Many less than desirable nail conditions can be avoided through proper care, but some actually indicate an illness that requires attention.

Moth Health

Mouth

Cranberries Give Everyone Something To Smile About

We know what you’re thinking, cranberries could help my teeth? Sounds crazy, but it’s true. Your mouth is one place where the anti-stick power of cranberry may one day come in handy by helping to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Laboratory studies have suggested that cranberries may keep certain oral bacteria from attaching to teeth and gum surfaces(1-6). Less bacteria could potentially keep gums healthy and slow the development of plaque and cavities. We’re not suggesting changing your mouthwash, but incorporating cranberry into oral care products may one day be a natural way to promote dental health. Also, keep in mind that cranberries are no substitute for regular dental care and check-ups. Always be sure to visit your dentist twice a year and brush and floss regularly.

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1. Weiss EI, Kozlovsky A, Steinberg D, Lev-Dor R, Bar R, Greenstein N, Feldman M, Sharon N, Ofek I. A high molecular mass cranberry constituent reduces mutans streptococci level in saliva and inhibits in vitro adhesion to hydroxyapatite. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2006;11406:1-4..

2. Wu CD, Zhu M, Turner A, Paul GF, Farnsworth NR. Cranberry extracts inhibit growth/viability of oral pathogens and biofilms Presented at IADR 2004; 0746.

3. Chen L, Heber D, Hardy M, Seeram N, Henig S, Leahy M, Wolinsky L, Qi F, Shi W. Inhibitory effects of Cranberry on Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. Presented at IADR 2004; 2918.

4. Yamanaka A, Kimizuka R, Kato T, Okuda K. Inhibitory effects of cranberry juice on attachment of oral streptococci and biofilm formation. Journal of Oral Microbiol Immunology 2004; 19(3):150-154.

5. Steinberg D, Feldman M, Ofek I, Weiss EI. Effect of a high-molecular-weight component of cranberry on constituents of dental biofilm. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2004; 1093-1096.

6. Labrecque J, Bodet C, Chandad F, Grenier D. Effects of a high-molecular-weight cranberry fraction on growth, biofilm formation and adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2006 Aug;58(2):439-43. Epub 2006 May 30.

Grapefruit Health

Grapefruit Health

Whether you enjoy it fresh from its golden skin or straight from a glass, there's nothing quite like the invigorating taste and healthy goodness of grapefruit.

Just half a grapefruit provides a full day's supply of vitamin C and is a good source of fiber and vitamin A. Wholesome, fiber-rich, water-filled foods like fresh grapefruit have an additional benefit-they fill you up for a longer time with fewer calories than many snacks. Fresh grapefruit also contains pectin, a soluble dietary fiber contained in the juice sac walls and white membranes, so make sure you eat these parts as well.

If you enjoy the goodness of grapefruit from a glass, you'll be glad to know that Ocean Spray® 100% Grapefruit Juices have no added sugar, are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free for a healthy heart and just one 8 oz. glass gives you 100% of the antioxidant Vitamin C and meets half your daily fruit needs.* So go ahead and raise a glass to good health.

For the latest info on grapefruit health and nutrition, visit the Florida Department of citrus at www.floridajuice.com. The FDOC is an independent non-profit organization and is solely responsible for the content of their website.

Urinary Tract Health

Urinary Tract

Folklore, Wive’s Tales & Other Truths

Turns out the old home remedy is true. Cranberries can help keep your urinary tract healthy. Naturally, too. Urinary tract health isn’t something most women spend a lot of time thinking about. That is, until they experience the pain, discomfort and inconvenience first hand when the urinary tract is upset. It’s not fun. Did you know half of all women will have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in her lifetime? In fact, an estimated 50 million cases are treated every year--with an estimated $1 billion dollars in healthcare costs. It’s also one of the leading causes of missed work for women. UTI’s are just plain bad news. But thanks to the unique PACs in cranberries, you can minimize your chances of urinary tract problems.

Here’s why the folklore is true: A urinary tract infection is caused when E. coli bacteria attach themselves to the walls of the bladder and multiply, causing redness, swelling and pain. Research suggests that the PACs in cranberries make it difficult for certain bacteria, even some nasty antibiotic resistant bacteria, from adhering to the bladder wall. The bacteria are harmlessly flushed out of the body(1,2,3).

Research shows drinking Cranberry Juice Cocktail daily can promote urinary tract health(4-11). The benefits of Cranberry Juice Cocktail start within two hours and can last up to ten hours(12). That means one serving (8 oz.) of Cranberry Juice Cockail in the morning and one at night may better help keep certain harmful bacteria at bay all day. Bye, bye bacteria. Hello healthy urinary tract.

But remember, while Cranberry Juice Cocktail can be an effective part of a wellness routine it should not be used as a treatment for infection. If you suspect you have an infection, consult a healthcare professional.

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1.Ofek I, Goldhar J, Zafriri D, Lis H, Adar R, Sharon N. Anti-Escherichia coli adhesion activity of cranberry and blueberry juices. New England Journal of Medicine 1991; 324:1599.

2.Howell AB, Vorsa N, Marderosian AD, Foo LY. Inhibition of the adherence of p-fimbriated Escherichia coli to uroepithelial-cell surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries. New England Journal of Medicine 1998; 339:1085.

3. . Howell AB, Leahy M, Kurowska E, Guthrie N. In vivo evidence that cranberry proanthocyanidins inhibit adherence of p-fimbriated E. coli bacteria to uroepithelial cells. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal 2001; 15:A284.

4.Sobota AE. Inhibition of bacterial adherence by cranberry juice: potential use for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Journal of Urology 1984; 131:1013-1016.

5.Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, Glynn RJ, Choodnovskiy I, Lipsitz LA. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice. Journal of the American Medical Association 1994; 271:751-754.

6. Walker EB, Barney DP, Mickerlsen JN, Walton RJ, Mickelsen RAJr. Cranberry concentrate: UTI prophylaxis. Journal of Family Practice 1997; 45:167-168.

7. Kontiokari T, Sundqvist K, Nuutinen M, Pokka T, Koskela M, Uhari M. Randomised trial of cranberry-lingonberry juice and Lactobacillus GG drink for the prevention of urinary tract infections in women. British Medical Journal 2001; 322:1571-1575.

8. Stothers L. A randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of naturopathic cranberry products as prophylaxis against urinary tract infection in women. Canadian Journal of Urology 2002; 9:1558-1562.

9. Howell AB, Foxman B. Cranberry juice and adhesion of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens. Journal of the American Medical Association 2002; 287:3082-3083.

10. Kontiokari T, Laitinen J, Jarvi L, Pokka T, Sundqvist K, Uhari M. Dietary factors protecting women from urinary tract infection. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2003; 77:600-604.

11. Jepson RG, Mihaljevic L, Craig J. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Library 2004; 1:1-19.

12. Howell AB, Reed JD, McEniry B, Krueger CG, Cunningham DG. A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins and uropathogenic bacterial anti-adhesion activity, Phytochemistry 2005; 66: 2281-91.

Additional Research References

Greenberg JA, Newmann SJ, Howell AB. Consumuption of sweetened dried cranberries versus unsweetened raisins for inhibition of uropathogenic Escherichia coli adhesion in human urine: a pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2005; 11: 875-878.

Foxman B, Geiger AM, Palin K, Gillespie B, Koopman JS. First-time urinary tract infection and sexual behavior. Epidemiology 1995; 6:162-168.

Dignam RR, Ahmed M, Kelly KG, Kenman SJ, Zayon M, Kleban M. The effect of cranberry juice on urinary tract infection rates in a long-term care facility. Annals of Long-Term Care 1998;6:163-167.

Henig YS, Leahy MM. Cranberry juice and urinary tract health: Science supports folklore. Nutrition 2000; 16:684-687.

Fagelman FC. Cranberry juice and urinary tract infections: what is the evidence? Urology 2001; 57:407-413.

Leahy M, Roderick R, Brilliant K. The cranberry – promising health benefits, old and new. Nutrition Today 2001; 36:254-265.

Manges AR, Johnson JR, Foxman B, O’Bryan TT, Fullerton KE, Riley LW. Widespread distribution of urinary tract infections caused by a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli clonal group. New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 345:1007-1013.

Stamm WE. An epidemic of urinary tract infections. New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 345:1055-1057

Santillo VM, Lowe FC. Cranberry juice for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. Drugs Today 2007; 43(1):47-54.

Bone Health

Bones

Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Calcium: Drink it until the cows come home

What would your bones be without calcium? Well, not much, considering calcium is responsible for about 70 percent of bone by weight and gives your bones their strength and rigidity. It also helps your nerves, muscles and heart function properly. It even helps your blood clot. Your body needs calcium. Especially your bones. It’s that simple. Most people think milk, when they think of calcium. But did you know one serving of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail with Calcium contains 10% of your recommended Daily Value of calcium? It’s true. So keep your bones happy. And give your tastes buds a break from milk. Drink Cranberry Juice with Calcium and get all the benefits of cranberries with the extra added bonus of calcium.

Heart Health

Heart

Cranberry: A berry after your own heart.

Did you know 60 million Americans suffer from some sort of heart disease? That’s about 1 in 4 adults. And there’s more troubling news: cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. Which is why it’s so important for each of us to protect our hearts as best we can. The good news: preliminary research suggests that cranberries can help.

The antioxidants found in cranberries may help the body defend itself against free radical damage. In fact, laboratory studies show that cranberries can inhibit oxidation of low-density cholesterol, which is thought to be one way cholesterol becomes sticky, allowing it to attach to the blood vessel wall.(1-3) One small, preliminary study also found the same beneficial effect in humans after consumption of cranberry juice.(4) Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control also recognize that diets high in fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber and natural antioxidants, are helpful in reducing the risk to chronic diseases, including heart disease.(5,6)

Isn’t it amazing that such a little berry can have such big health benefits? And there’s more. Emerging research suggests that cranberries may promote heart health in many ways.(7) One preliminary lab study suggests that a serving of cranberry juice cocktail may be as good for the heart as a glass of red wine.(3) And without the alcohol, so the whole family can enjoy the benefits. In test tube studies, scientists investigated cranberry juice cocktail, and 2 red wines, and found that serving for serving, cranberry juice cocktail was similarly effective to the red wines in modifying that activity of an enzyme that supports heart health. Studies also suggest that cranberry may promote heart health in other ways.(8) And, a clinical study reported that cranberry juice cocktail was beneficial to markers of heart health.(9) But remember, while cranberries can be a part of your overall heart health, they are no substitute for regular check-ups with your doctor.

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1. Wilson T, Porcari JP, Harbin D. Cranberry Extract Inhibits Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation. Life Sciences 1998; 62(24):381-386.

2. Porter ML, Krueger CG, Wiebe DA, Cunningham DG, Reed JD. Cranberry proanthocyanidins associate with low-density lipoprotein and inhibit in vitro Cu2+-induced oxidation. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2001; 81:1306-1313.

3. Chu Y-F, Liu RH. Cranberries inhibit LDL oxidation and induce LDL receptor expression in hepatocytes. Life Sciences 2005; 77(15):1892-1901.

4. Ruel G, Pomerleau S, Couture P, Lamarche B, Couillard C. Changes in plasma antioxidant capacity and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels in men after short-term cranberry juice consumption. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental 2005; 54:856-861.

5. http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/.

6http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition/nutrition_for_everyone
/fruits_vegetables/index.htm

7. Reed JD. Cranberry Flavonoids, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 2002; 42:301-316.

8. Corder R. Anti-atherosclerotic potential of cranberry juice and red wine: comparable inhibition of endothelin-1 synthesis by cultered endothelial cells. American Chemical Society National Meeting 2004.

9. Maher MA, Mataczynski H, Stefaniak HM, Wilson T. Cranberry Juice Induces Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vasodilation In Vitro and Its Infusion Transiently Reduces Blood Pressure in Anesthetized Rats. Journal of Medicinal Food 2000; 3:141-147.

10. Ruel G, Pomerleau S, Couture P, Lemieux S, Lamarche B, Couillard C. Favourable impact of low-calorie cranberry juice consumption on plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations in men. British Journal of Nutrition 2006; 96:357-364.

Stomach Health

Stomach

Keep Your Stomach From Grumbling

Full, empty, aching or laughing until it hurts, the best way to keep a stomach happy is to keep it healthy. A lot of people think stomach ulcers are only caused by spicy foods or stress, but in fact, the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been implicated as a cause of many stomach ulcers. And guess what? Cranberry may help. It’s the Wonderberry at work again.

Here’s how: Emerging research suggests that cranberry’s “anti-stick” properties can also keep H. pylori from sticking to stomach cells.(1-3) Cranberry juice may help keep your stomach healthy so these bacteria can’t stick to your stomach wall.(4) The bacteria just can’t get a good grip.

So make cranberries a part of your daily diet and have regular check-ups with your doctor.

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1. Burger O, Itzhak O, Tabak M, Weiss EI, Sharon N, Neeman I. A high molecular mass constituent of cranberry juice inhibits Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric musus. Federation of European Microbiological Societies 2000; 29:295-301.

2. Xiao SD and Shi T. Is cranberry juice effective in the treatment and prevention of Helicobacter pylori Infection of mice? Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases 2003; 4:136-139.

3. Shmuely H, Burger O, Neeman I, Yahav J, Samra Z, Niv Y, Sharon N, Weiss E, Athamna A, Tabak M, Ofek I. Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori isolates to the antiadhesion activity of a high-molecular-weight constituent of cranberry. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease 2004; 50:231-235.

4. Zhang L, Ma J, Pan K, Go V, Chen J, You W. Efficacy of Cranberry Juice on Helicobacter pylori Infection: a Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Helicobacter 2005; 10:139-145.