Michael Jackson has died and there are speculations about the cause of his death. Stress, drug problems, weak lungs and heart and extremely low body weight are all implicated.

Numerous rumours suggest that at the time of his death Michael weighted slightly over 100 pounds. Taking into consideration his height 5′.10″ his BMI at the time of his death was 14.3 (compare to a healthy range BMI between 18.5 and 25.) This is about 29 pounds lower than would be considered a healthy level.

Low body weight can be a symptom of many diseases but in Michael’s case, reports saying that he suffered from an eating disorder.

Eating disorders often have their own causes and certain personality traits make different people more prone to developing them. Apparently, Michael Jackson had many personality traits that would make him susceptible to developing an eating disorder. His stressful life and deprived childhood could be causes for his mental problems.

According to many sources Michael Jackson suffered from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

What are the facts that could point to Michael Jackson having an eating disorder?

1. Jackson did mention publically about how his father physically and verbally abused him as a child and how he developed an eating disorder (provoked by a fear of his father’s discipline) by the age of seven.

2. After the case of alleged child “molestation” with a 13-year-old boy, Jordy Chandler, Jackson developed a drug addiction and his childhood bulimia came back to haunt him. The stress from this case put enormous pressure on fragile health of Michael. Although the charges were dropped and the boy refused to testify any further against his “best friend Michael”, the damage was already done.

3. Many people who saw him closely over the last few years before his death said he was very thin and frail. They also said that he ate very little.

4. Because of the deep concern about his physical health Jackson postponed the opening night of his comeback in London by a week. Apparently he was worried about his ability to recreate his trademark exhilarating dance moves. This tiredness is also very indicative of an eating disorder; sustenance is needed to be able to do extraneous exercise, something Michael was struggling with.

It is obvious that his fatal heart attack was precipitated by weeks of strenuous fitness routines which could have contributed to his tragic death. Just a week before the tragic event he said: “I don’t know how I’m going to do 50 shows. I’m not a big eater – I need to put some weight on”.

5. A few months ago at his last appearance in front of the media he announced the comeback shows in London. When he made this announcement his body was skeletal and his skin was extremely pale. He had difficulties making it through the two-minute press conference.

The show promoters were in doubt about Jackson’s ability to continue with the show and some even suspected that he wouldn’t even make the first concert date, so they sent a doctor to look after him.

6. Michael Jackson obviously had lots of problems regarding his body image and perfectionism. He undertook numerous plastic surgeries, changed skin colour and supported different diets and body cleansing routines. All this had become his obsession and he performed these acts in very extreme unhealthy way.

7. His drug addiction also confirms his obsessive personality trait that is present it most eating disorder sufferers. Before his death he apparently was taking a cocktail of eight different prescription drugs:
- Demerol (a painkiller that was injected 3 times daily by his doctor to stop his chronic back pain),
- Dilauded (a painkiller he took orally for the same problem),
- Vicodin (the third painkiller that was prescribed recently because of the back pain),
- Soma (used for muscle relaxation, he took them orally),
- Xanax (anti anxiety drug, he took them orally, twice daily),
– Zoloft (antidepressant that influence his serotonin level in the brain, he took it orally, daily)
- Paxil (another antidepressant that influences serotonin levels in the brain),
- Antibiotics to stop skin infection after minor surgery.

This is enormous amount of drugs for anyone, even for a healthy person, but for Michael they were probably fatal.

It looks like Michael’s eating disorder definitely contributed to his death. All the things make you wonder why the medical professionals who looked after Michael didn’t do anything before his death about his eating problems.

You have to ask yourself why they allow him to stay on so many drugs while his body weight was extremely low. It is just another example of how little most medical professionals know or understand the seriousness of an eating disorder.

Michael would have had his eating disorder to cope with the stress in life. His Anorexia and Bulimia would have temporary made him feel good and he may have felt that nothing could hurt him while he had an eating disorder. This is quite common for suffers of an eating disorder, they actually think it is doing them good, while in reality it is killing them.

Michael had a myriad of problems we are all aware of that, but every time he was about to release a new song someone would file a law suit wanting all his money. Many people stayed around him and pretended to be close to him only for the sake of taking money from him one way or another.

The sad fact is that Michael should never have been allowed to develop an eating disorder in the first place; people who were close to him should have got him help years ago.

Eating disorder can get out on hand very quickly and can kill anyone especially if they have the same meticulous personality as Michael had: a perfectionist one.

The best way to stop this happening is to work on your mindset, educate yourself about how the brain works and how people develop these deadly obsessions. The right knowledge may help many of you to get better and not suffer the same fate as Michael Jackson.

Dr Irina Webster MD is the Director of Eating Disorder Institute. She is an author of many books and a public speaker. http://www.eatingdisorder-institute.com

Most people are not “proactive”, and instead “react” to things that happen to them. What I mean by this is most people turn to doctors, or medicines when some ailment strikes them. From a simple cold, to something more deadly – like cancer. But did you know the things you put into your body can help, or harm your ability to fend off diseases our Nation seems to be stricken with?

So Listen Up! (it’s for your own good)

Evidence suggests that the most important contributor to proper immune function is what you eat. For you to stay healthy — and to recover quickly from illness and help prevent disease — your immune system must be healthy too.

THE ANTIOXIDANT SHIELD

You’ve probably already heard about free radicals. These molecules cause cells to break down, speeding the aging process, promoting heart disease and cancer and weakening the immune system. There’s no way to completely avoid free radicals. They’re produced within the body as a result of normal metabolic processes. But certain antioxidant compounds destroy free radicals.

VITAMIN E

This potent antioxidant forestalls the gradual decline in immune function brought on by aging. It boosts synthesis of antibodies and encourages reproduction of key infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes.

People who take vitamin E supplements mount a stronger immune reaction against invading viruses and bacteria. They also enjoy a reduced risk for cancer.

It’s hard to get adequate amounts of vitamin E in your diet but good sources include seeds, nuts, avocados, and healthy vegetable oils (flaxseed, evening primrose oil, hemp oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil).

CAROTENIDS

These antioxidants increase the number of lymphocytes and natural-killer cells. Supplements are available, and the best food sources are fruits and vegetables — especially carrots, kale, collard greens, tomatoes and cantaloupes.

VITAMIN C

It energizes the immune system to react more vigorously to cancer cells and microbes. Diets rich in vitamin C have been linked to reduced risk for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.

Good natural sources of vitamin C include all citrus fruits, cantaloupes and green or red peppers.

MINERALS

Minerals are needed for the synthesis of proteins, which are key components of all cells and enzymes in the body…

ZINC

The most important mineral for immune function, zinc boosts the number of lymphocytes and helps natural-killer cells attack cancer cells.

The average person needs 15 mg of zinc a day. Higher dosages seem to impair immune function. Meats and whole grains are good sources.

IRON

An iron deficiency increases infection risk by weakening many different types of immune cells. Too much iron impairs immune function too.

Meats and beans are good sources. Iron pills are good only if a doctor has found you to be iron-deficient.

SELENIUM

This mineral encourages growth of immune cells and stimulates production of antibodies.

Grains, nuts, seeds and fish are good sources of selenium. Because too much selenium can cause digestive and neurological problems, supplements generally are not a good idea.

IMMUNITY BOOSTERS

Research is beginning to confirm what traditional healers have long known — that certain foods and herbs boost immune function…

* SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS. Studies in Japan show that these mushrooms boost immune function and inhibit viral multiplication. In Japan, a shiitake derivative called lentinan is used as a cancer-fighting drug. Shiitakes are tasty in soups, stews and vegetables dishes. Eat two to six shiitakes a week.
* REISHI MUSHROOMS. These Chinese mushrooms boost reproduction of lymphocytes and trigger production of chemical “messengers” that coordinate immune system activity. Eat two to four reishis per week.
* GARLIC. Garlic is a good source of selenium and of certain compounds with anti-infection and anticancer properties. Season food with garlic at least three times a week.
* ECHINACEA. This popular herb boosts the ability of immune cells to swallow up cells infected with viruses…and stimulates production of compounds that coordinate the immune system’s response against yeast infections. Echinacea extract should be taken for no more than three days in a row — when you have a cold or flu, or feel one coming on. The usual dose is 30 drops of echinacea tincture, twice a day.

ONE FINAL THOUGHT

If you aren’t supplementing regularly with vitamins and minerals you may be deficient and not even know it. Why? Because of our society’s propensity to consume processed foods. And processed foods are notorious for being calorie rich and nutrient poor.

Combined with massively depleted levels of minerals in our soils (from excessive crop production) and you have the basis for widespread vitamin and mineral deficiency in our society.

This is also true a statement: the processing of whole foods destroys a lot of the phytonutrients they contain (plant nutrients including antioxidants and healthful enzymes). This means the more processed foods we eat, the more likely we lack the necessary raw materials to assure our bodies not only function optimally, but also help prevent disease from forming.

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It is known that in our fast paced society people look for many different ways to increase their productivity. Unfortunately, during their search for diets, products, or exercise routines people sometimes leave their health on the backburner. Americans have been known to love their coffee, but the latest product in the craze for energy consumption is actually energy drinks. It seems that with every passing day new energy drinks, energy bars and energy pills are available on the market.

Originally, many people were unaware of the incredibly large amounts of sugar present in the majority of these products. However, lately consumers have caught wind of this fact and sales in the energy drink market have declined in result. Acknowledging the downturn, certain companies have released compact, sugar free versions of these drinks. However, upon closer inspection there is a massive underlying problem with these new beverages. The problem is aspartame and phenylalanine, cancer causing agents. Bypassing all the failed attempts at providing people with true, clean, healthy energy, we finally arrive in the present where there are a few very good healthy energy drink options on the horizon.

Healthy energy drinks are different than common energy drinks such as Red Bull or Monster. The beauty of these drinks is that they create a prolonged, natural energy without causing any damage to that ever so important organ, your heart. Studies have actually been done to show that avid Red Bull drinkers have a very similar cardiovascular profile to that of someone with heart disease. It’s really no wonder why Red Bull and other similar energy drinks are banned in certain countries.

Quercetin is now being used in some cases as the healthy energy drink industry’s secret weapon. If these drinks were a person Quercetin would be the bloodstream. It is a key antioxidant most commonly taken from grapes, apples and other familiar berries. Common energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster contain little to no antioxidant power! Quercetin mimics the effects of exercise, and it does so by telling your body to make more mitochondria (the energy producing components of cells). You won’t have to worry about not being prepared for any physically or mentally straining activities throughout your day. Quercetin will help you keep your energy levels right where they need to be. These healthy energy drink will give you the stamina and mental clarity you need to get through your day.

Truely healthy energy drinks are beneficial to people of all ages. Certain people will use healthy energy drinks for a boost in their athletic performance while others will use them to enhance their productivity at work, school, or even housework. New healthy energy drinks like FRS usually take around 30 minutes to fully circulate through your body. To really feel the full effect people should consume the beverage over an extended period of time. In doing so some added benefits are brought on by way of extra vitamins and nutrients that they contain.

To really take full advantage of healthy energy drinks like FRS, you should use as directed which is usually about 2-3 times daily. While one obviously cannot not survive on these drinks alone they will play a very important part in establishing a much healthier lifestyle. If someone was to consume 2 Red Bulls on a daily basis over an extended period of time they may be putting themselves in serious danger. As it stands FRS Healthy Energy drink seems to be the market leader. Take advantage of this breath of fresh air in a market littered with unhealthy and even unsafe products, get some healthy energy.

Doug Preston researches health and wellness supplements and maintains an informative website on the subject at http://www.daynehealth.com/frs-energy-drink.html

Cosmetic dentistry can be a life changing experience that is capable of giving you that confidence to smile again. Aesthetic porcelain veneers can be used that are bonded directly to your own teeth to transform your smile. Cosmetic veneers can remake an uneven and crooked smile into a glamorous one that is completely natural looking. Veneers can also be used to lengthen teeth that are too short or shorten teeth that are too long, re-proportion your smile and permanently whiten your teeth.

In preparation for your porcelain veneers, your dentist will need to speak with you about the goals you would like to achieve in your new smile. The dentist will need to gather dental records, including radiographs, photographs and study models to help design your new smile. Smile design is an essential component in an aesthetic dental treatment plan. Smile design is a concept that combines art and science to enhance, remodel, or create a beautiful smile.

The latest information and technology are used in designing a smile, where the face, lips, gum tissue and teeth are visualized in their entirely to create the best smile for each patient. This may involve taking digital photos and measurements to analyze tooth width and length, teeth positioning in regards to the lip and to each other, tooth color, gum height, space reduction and the symmetry of the smile.

Smile design involves visualizing the possibilities and then producing the desired results. It can be as simple as whitening the teeth, reshaping the gum tissue, or bonding small spaces or chipped teeth, or it can be creating the ultimate smile makeover using all porcelain veneers.

Veneers are very strong, thin, porcelain shells that are permanently bonded to your natural teeth. After shaping the teeth and taking accurate dental impressions, temporary veneers may be placed, allowing you to get a preview of your new smile. Your dentist will communicate closely with skilled dental lab technicians to ensure a natural appearing color and translucency in the porcelain veneers. The patient then returns to the dental office to have the polished porcelain veneers fitted and strongly bonded to your teeth. After clean up, polishing and final photographs, a look in the mirror reflects your new, beautiful smile.

Specialized veneers, such as Lumineers, provide gorgeous smiles with no shots and little or no drilling. Best used in patients that desire chiefly permanent whitening, closing small gaps or correcting slightly crooked teeth, Lumineers can be made as thin as a contact lens and offer the translucency seen in real teeth.

If you are missing teeth, this does not exclude you from a new smile. Dental implants and porcelain bridges can be used to replace missing teeth and be used in conjunction with porcelain veneers to complete your smile makeover.

Cosmetic veneers and tooth whitening materials continue to improve so that dental professional can achieve the cosmetic dentistry that will enhance your lovely smile until it’s downright gorgeous!

Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com offers information about cosmetic dentistry procedures as well as plastic surgery information. http://www.ardendentalcare.com

Are you a stress eating addict? Do you ‘comfort eat’ when you are stressed? How much is this ‘coping strategy’ costing you in terms of your looks, your weight, your health and your finances?

Long term persistent stress eating can lead to obesity. Comfort eating is often stress induced. It can be an attempt to self-medicate, an effort to escape from the stress of day-to-day living. Nuisance is, stress eating, and the resultant obesity, has its own devastating consequences. As a coping strategy it is sadly disappointing.

The opposite is equally true. Obesity or even being just a few pounds overweight can be humiliating and therefore stressful. Our society is very outspoken in its disapproval of weight gain and obesity. We worry too often and too much about our appearance. It undermines our self confidence; we are constantly a diet and we end up depriving our bodies of what they really need.

What would a diet look like that is both stress and weight reducing?

The old, boring mantra remains annoyingly true. To lose weight, one has to burn more calories than you take in. If you burn exactly the same amount as you take in, your weight remains stable. And a stable weight is better for your long-term health, even if you are a little overweight. Especially if you make sure that you eat healthily.

If you need to lose weight, do not succumb to the siren song of diets that promise 10-20kg of weight loss in as many days. Stress eating and starvation diets are self-abuse. You can lose weight and you can get rid of the unhealthy habit of stress eating. However, life is too short to spend three quarters of your waking hours obsessing about your weight and eating. The idea is to relieve stress with a healthy diet, not make it worse. Going on a very strict diet puts your body under tremendous stress.

For the maximum health benefit, you only need to lose 10 % of your weight anyway.

Respect your body! Give it lots of TLC and be patient with yourself. Instead of going on a gut-wrenching diet, find out how you can cope with stress without harming yourself. There are several excellent stress relief books, stress management coaches and stress busting workshops that can help you discover what works for you.

Do not allow stress to ruin your appearance, your health or your happiness!

Dr M de Clermont is the author of two popular e-books about stress and weight management and presents residential stress/weight loss workshops in the sun-drenched south of France. More info and a FREE report: How does stress affect your health? available at http://www.Relax-and-Rejuvenate.com/

Are you really tired of being chained to a pack of cigarettes? After so many years, this is the way that many smokers do feel, only they can not seem to break free from them. So many people that smoke cigarettes have tried to quit repeatedly and have no been successful. Why is this particular addiction so hard to break? The body does not react in the same way as people who use other drugs. There is no real head spinning or mood alterations when you smoke a cigarette in comparison to say, smoking marijuana. Of course, the nicotine does cause a physical reaction in the body, it is just not a mind altering reaction like other drugs can give.

The big question is what is one way that could make any smoker be able to quit? Well, evidently there is not one. There are a lot of nicotine products available that are supposed to help you quit, but studies have shown that the success rate for for quitting using these products is relatively low. Still, people buy them everyday in the hopes that one of these products will help them to break free from smoking. Sometimes people will see their family doctor and get help from there. There are pills on the market now that are supposed to help, but these have some side affects that are not agreeable with everyone. They are still on the market, and are still being used.

The one thing that it all comes down to is the will power and determination of the person that is trying to quit. A smoker must have these two things because they will not be successful without them. There are no products that can make you quit. If you smoke cigarettes while you use some products, they can make you sick. This is why it is so important to know whether you can handle not smoking once you are using a product that does not allow you to smoke. You already have an addiction, you do not want to become sick also.

Many smokers find that it is helpful to join a support group of other smokers who are trying to quit and be counseled by those who have already been successful. Talking to others that have managed to stop smoking could provide the one tip you need that could make all of the difference. Different things work for different people. If you are not ready to stop smoking, you probably will not stop. You have to be in the proper state of mind in order to quit. Sometimes it will take a smoker months or even years before they are sick enough of smoking to do almost anything to stop. Once you reach this point, you should have a fighting chance.

Visit Aydan Corkern’s sites:

http://www.ecigarettesnational.com/

http://www.ecigarettesnational.com/e-cigarette-starter-kits/gamucci-micro-starter-kit/