Study Links Eating Fish With Healthier Brains, Regardless of Mercury

 Eating at least one serving of seafood a week could help stave off Alzheimer's disease, according to a study.

A strong case has been building for the role that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish could play in protecting against Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. But questions remained about whether these benefits could be canceled out by the mercury in fish, which at high enough levels can be toxic to the brain. The new study suggests that is not the case.

Researchers delved into the complicated relationship between seafood, fatty acids, mercury and dementia among older adults living in the Chicago area. They surveyed the group about their diet every year starting in 1997, and in a subset of 286 participants who died between 2004 and 2013, they performed brain autopsies to look at the levels of mercury and whether there was neurological damage indicative of dementia.

There was indeed more mercury in the brains of participants who reported eating more seafood, but it did not appear to have any effect on whether there was neurological damage. Instead, participants who reported eating seafood at least once a week were less likely to have hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid plaques, in their brain.

"The findings were very striking," said Martha Clare Morris, director of nutrition and nutritional epidemiology at Rush University Medical Center. 

"Our hypothesis was that seafood consumption would be associated with less neuropathology, but that if there were higher levels of mercury in the brain, that would work against that. But we didn't find that at all," said Morris, who is lead author of the study, which was published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The catch, however, is that the researchers only observed the benefit among participants who had a strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's. These participants carried a version of the APOE gene called APOE-4, which is associated with higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.

The researchers ranked the amount of neurological damage they observed on a scale of 1 to 4, from no damage to highest level of damage. Among those who had the APOE-4 gene variant, they saw about half a point less in those who ate at least one serving of seafood a week, compared with less than one serving a week. 

It is possible that people who do not harbor APOE-4 could still gain some smaller amount of protection from Alzheimer's from seafood, but the current study was not big enough to detect it, Morris said.

"One theory is that seafood consumption may be more beneficial in older age because, as we age, we lose DHA in the brain," a molecule that is important to maintain brain health, Morris said. DHA is one of the main fatty acids that can be obtained from fish. People with APOE-4 are thought to lose even more DHA in the brain, so seafood consumption could be even more beneficial to them, Morris added.

The benefit of fatty acid may not be limited to just Alzheimer's. The researchers found that participants who reported eating a diet rich in a type of fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which is found in vegetable oils, nuts and soy, had less damage in their brain that is characteristic of vascular dementia. Vascular dementia, which is less common than Alzheimer's, occurs when blood vessels become blocked and cut off oxygen to the brain.  

"The evidence is quite clear that people who consume healthier forms of fish [which are baked or broiled rather than fried] are going to end up with healthier brains," said James T. Becker, professor of psychiatry and associate director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh, who was not involved in the current study.

As for whether mercury increases the risk of dementia, "I personally don't think there's evidence for it. I think these heavy metals are going to do other things first," such as causing nerve pain, itching or burning, Becker said.

This study could not rule on whether people who regularly select seafood that tends to be higher in mercury, such as tuna and swordfish, have problems associated with the higher mercury exposure. The researchers did not drill down to find out all the types of fish participants ate.

Morris pointed out that the types of seafood most commonly consumed by Americans -- shrimp, salmon, tilapia -- are low in mercury. The one exception is canned tuna, which can be high in mercury.

The current study found the benefit of eating seafood for brain health maxes out at one serving per week. More than that did not bestow participants with any additional protection from the types of brain damage associated with dementia.

This suggests that you might not have to meet the 8 ounces of seafood, about two servings, a week that the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends to reap the brain health benefits. "Three ounces could give you that protection," Morris said. 

It is still possible that certain kinds of seafood consumption could have a dark side in terms of brain health. "Our findings can't be generalized to people who are really high consumers of seafood," Morris said. In the Midwest population in the study, very few ate seafood every day.

Brain Foods That Help You Concentrate

Ginseng, Fish, Berries, or Caffeine?

Listen to the buzz about foods and dietary supplements, and you'll believe they can do everything from sharpen focus to enhance memory, attention span, and brain function.
But do they really work? There's no denying that as we age, our body ages right along with us. The good news is that you can improve your chances of maintaining a healthy brain if you add "smart" foods and drinks to your diet.

Caffeine Can Make You More Alert

There's no magic bullet to boost IQ or make you smarter -- but certain substances, like caffeine, can energize you and help you concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up buzz, though the effects are short-term. And more is often less: Overdo it on caffeine and it can make you jittery and uncomfortable.

Sugar Can Enhance Alertness

Sugar is your brain's preferred fuel source -- not table sugar, but glucose, which your body processes from the sugars and carbs you eat. That's why a glass of something sweet to drink can offer a short-term boost to memory, thinking, and mental ability.
Have too much, though, and memory can be impaired -- along with the rest of you. Go easy on the sugar so it can enhance memory without packing on the pounds.

Eat Breakfast to Fuel Your Brain

Tempted to skip breakfast? Studies have found that eating breakfast may improve short-term memory and attention. Students who eat it tend to perform better than those who don’t. Foods at the top of researchers' brain-fuel list include high-fiber whole grains, dairy, and fruits. Just don't overeat; researchers also found high-calorie breakfasts appear to hinder concentration.

Fish Really is Brain Food

A protein source linked to a great brain boost is fish -- rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are key for brain health. These healthy fats have amazing brain power: A diet with higher levels of them has been linked to lower dementia and stroke risks and slower mental decline; plus, they may play a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we get older.
For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.

Add a Daily Dose of Nuts and Chocolate

Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which has been linked in some studies to less cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties, and it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus.
Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to get all the benefits you need with a minimum of excess calories, fat, or sugar.

Blueberries Are Super Nutritious

Research in animals shows that blueberries may help protect the brain from the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries improved both the learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equal to much younger rats.

Benefits of a Healthy Diet

It may sound trite but it's true: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, it can hurt your ability to concentrate. Eating too much or too little can also interfere with your focus. A heavy meal may make you feel tired, while too few calories can result in distracting hunger pangs.
Benefit your brain: Strive for a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy foods.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements?

Store shelves groan with supplements claiming to boost health. Although many of the reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are promising, a supplement is only useful to people whose diets are lacking in that specific nutrient.

Some researchers are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral, and herb combinations and their impact on the brain, but more proof is still needed.
Check with your doctor.

Get Ready for a Big Day

Want to power up your ability to concentrate? Start with a meal of 100% fruit juice, a whole-grain bagel with salmon, and a cup of coffee. In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, experts also offer this advice:

• Get a good night's sleep.
• Stay hydrated.
• Exercise to help sharpen thinking.
• Meditate to clear thinking and relax.

15 Cancer Symptoms Men Ignore

By Linda Rath, WebMD Feature, Reviewed by William Blahd, MD

You eat pretty well (some days) and work out (most days). But if you’re like a lot of men, a trip to the doctor isn't on your to-do list. That can be bad if it means you brush off early signs of cancer.

One of the best ways to fight the disease is to catch it in the early stages, when it’s more treatable. The problem is that the warning signs for many kinds of cancer can seem pretty mild.

Take a look at these 15 signs and symptoms. Some are linked more strongly to cancer than others, but all are worth knowing about -- and even talking over with your doctor.

1. Problems When You Pee

Many men have some problems peeing as they get older, like:

• A need to pee more often, especially at night
• Dribbling, leaking, or an urgent need to go
• Trouble starting to pee, or a weak stream

An enlarged prostate gland usually causes these symptoms, but so can prostate cancer. See your doctor to check on the cause of the problem. He’ll give you an exam to look for an enlarged prostate, and he may talk to you about a blood test (called a PSA test) for prostate cancer.

2. Changes in Your Testicles

"If you notice a lump, heaviness, or any other change in your testicle, never delay having it looked at," says Herbert Lepor, MD, urology chairman at New York University Langone Medical Center. "Unlike prostate cancer, which grows slowly, testicular cancer can take off overnight." Your doctor will look for any problems with a physical exam, blood tests, and an ultrasound of your scrotum.

3. Blood in Your Pee or Stool

These can be among the first signs of cancer of the bladder, kidneys, or colon. It's a good idea to see your doctor for any bleeding that’s not normal, even if you don't have other symptoms, Lepor says. Although you're more likely to have a problem that's not cancer, like hemorrhoids or a urinary infection, it's important to find and treat the cause.

4. Skin Changes

When you notice a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot on your skin, see your doctor as soon as you can. Spots that are new or look different are top signs of skin cancer. You’ll need an exam and perhaps a biopsy, which means doctors remove a small piece of tissue for testing. With skin cancer, you don't want to wait, says Marleen Meyers, MD, an oncologist at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center.

5. Changes in Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes, small bean-shaped glands found in your neck, armpits, and other places, often signal that something's going on in your body. Usually, they mean your immune system is fighting a sore throat or cold, but certain cancers also can make them change. Have your doctor check any swelling that doesn't get better in 2 to 4 weeks, Meyers says.

6. Trouble Swallowing

Some people have trouble swallowing from time to time. But if your problems don’t go away and you’re also losing weight or vomiting, your doctor may want to check you for throat or stomach cancer. He’ll start with a throat exam and barium X-ray. During a barium test, you drink a special liquid that makes your throat stand out on the X-ray.

7. Heartburn

You can take care of most cases of heartburn with changes to your diet, drinking habits, and stress levels. If that doesn’t help, ask your doctor to look into your symptoms. Heartburn that doesn't go away or gets worse could mean stomach or throat cancer.

8. Mouth Changes

If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have a higher risk of mouth cancer. Keep an eye out for white or red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. Talk to your doctor or dentist about tests and treatments.

9. Weight Loss Without Trying

Pants fitting a little looser? If you haven’t changed your diet or exercise habits, it could mean that stress or a thyroid problem is taking a toll. But losing 10 pounds or more without trying isn’t normal. Although most unintended weight loss is not cancer, it’s one of the signs of cancer of the pancreas, stomach, or lungs. Your doctor can find out more with blood tests and tools that make detailed pictures of the inside of your body, like a CT or PET scan.

10. Fever

A fever is usually not a bad thing -- it means your body is fighting an infection. But one that won't go away and doesn’t have an explanation could signal leukemia or another blood cancer. Your doctor should take your medical history and give you a physical exam to check on the cause.

11. Breast Changes

"Men tend to ignore breast lumps because breast cancer isn't on their radar," Meyers says. "But 1% of all breast cancers occur in men, although they're usually diagnosed much later." Don’t take any chances. If you find a lump, tell your doctor and have it checked.

12. Fatigue

Many types of cancer cause a bone-deep tiredness that never gets better, no matter how much rest you get. It’s different from the exhaustion you feel after a hectic week or a lot of activity. If fatigue is affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. She can help you find the cause and let you know if there are ways to treat it.

13. Cough

In nonsmokers, a nagging cough is almost never cancer. Most go away after 3 to 4 weeks. If yours doesn’t, and you’re short of breath or cough up blood, don't delay a visit to your doctor, especially if you smoke. A cough is the most common sign of lung cancer. Your doctor can test mucus from your lungs to see if you have an infection. He may also give you a chest X-ray to check for another problem.

14. Pain

Cancer doesn’t cause most aches and pains, but if you’re hurting for more than a month, don’t just grin and bear it. Ongoing pain can be a signal of many types of cancer, especially those that have spread, Lepor says.

15. Belly Pain and Depression

It’s rare, but depression along with stomach pain can be a sign of cancer of the pancreas. Should you worry? Not unless this cancer runs in your family, Meyers says. Then you need to see your doctor.

Your Guide to Anti-Aging Skin Care Essentials

Begin ASAP

Even if you've never taken care of your skin, it's not too late to start. Your skin begins to age when you are only in your mid-20s, though you may not see it. Your favorite products may not work as well anymore. Your genes, daily habits, and the sun cause these changes. So don't wait any longer! You may want to ask a dermatologist now how you can get smoother, softer skin, whatever your age. 

 

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Choose a creamy one for dry skin, or an oil-free, foaming one for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about how to avoid irritation. Wash with warm or cool water. Hot water can strip away your skin's natural moisture. Pat your face dry -- don't rub.

  

Moisturizer for Your Face

It protects and improves your skin. Even if you have oily skin or breakouts, you can use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every day. If you have dry skin, you may need to put it on more than just once a day. Pat it on while your face is still damp to seal in moisture.

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

You need sun protection during daylight hours, even if it’s overcast or you’re staying indoors. The sun’s rays can pass through clouds and windows, so you're always exposed. Many moisturizers have sunscreen. If yours doesn't, look for a broad-spectrum screen, which means it guards against both UVA and UVB rays. Don't forget to cover your lips, too! And if you sweat or are outside for a long time, reapply sunscreen to stay protected.

Can I Layer My Skin Products?

Yes. Start with clean skin and put on any prescription creams or gels first.
Morning: Moisturizer, sunscreen (if it's not in your moisturizer), makeup if you wear it.
Night: Anti-aging product (if you use one), moisturizer without sunscreen.
 

 

 Scrub Away Dead Skin

Exfoliate to help your skin glow. You can buff off dead skin cells gently with a soft washcloth, spinning brush, or scrubs. If your skin is dry, exfoliate once a week. If you have oily skin, do it once or twice a week. If you have acne or sensitive skin, talk to your doctor. Exfoliating might irritate your skin.

 Reveal a Fresh Layer

Some skin care products have ingredients that get rid of dead cells to uncover the brighter, fresher skin underneath. Acne medicines and anti-aging products may have salicylic acid or retinoids, for example. You can also get microdermabrasion or a chemical peel to slough off dead cells. Both are available from doctors and in at-home formulas. You may not see a big difference from an at-home formula, though.

Skin Color TLC

If you're African-American or Hispanic, for example, your skin might be sensitive to sun or chemicals. Stick with a simple, gentle skin care routine. Don't go a day without moisturizer or sunscreen. Even though you may not ever get sunburned, you still need sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, wrinkling, and dark spots.

What's on the Menu?

Your skin craves good nutrition just like the rest of your body. Some studies suggest that nutrients can improve and protect your skin. Creams and serums that include vitamins C or E may protect against sun damage. Ones that have vitamins A or B3 may be able to correct the sun damage you have already. Of course, you still need to get vitamins from foods. 

Organic Is Not Always Better

There's no scientific proof that organic or all-natural cosmetics and skin care products are safer for your skin. In some cases, they may irritate it, especially if yours is sensitive. Like many skin care products, "natural" ingredients like plant extracts may cause rashes or allergic reactions in some people. Test them first on a less noticeable area of your body.

Facials: Fun or Fundamental?

You don't need a salon facial for good skin care, but it may make your skin look smoother for a while. They can be a relaxing treat, too. A salon facial could include cleansing and exfoliating. Facials may cause allergic reactions or irritation in some people, so you should avoid them if you tend to have redness or a rash afterward.

I'm Too Old for Zits, Right?

You're grown up, so why haven't your pimples and blackheads gone away? Hormones, hair products, and stress may be to blame, among other reasons. Your dermatologist or an aesthetician can help you figure out what your skin needs. Some products have ingredients that target acne and the signs of aging, too.

Keep the Glow Going

• Don't smoke. It ages your skin and encourages wrinkling.
• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
• Exercise every day. It helps your skin by boosting blood flow. And sweating flushes out dirt.
• Find ways to de-stress. Stress can make your skin more sensitive and worsen breakouts.
• Stay out of the sun. Get a fake tan if you want more color.

New Lyme disease bacteria discovered − CDC

Temiloluwa Bamgbose

A new Lyme disease-causing bacteria has been identified in the United States, and it may bring even worse symptoms, health officials said.

Borrelia burgdorferi was the only bacteria species believed to cause Lyme disease in North America — until this new discovery, the researchers said. The newly-identified bacteria, called Borrelia mayonii, appears closely related to B. burgdorferi, say a team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by being bitten by an infected tick. The first and typical symptom is usually a rash that spreads out from the site of the tick bite. Left untreated, the germs (bacteria) can spread to other areas of the body.

If diagnosed in the early stages, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics. Without treatment, complications involving the joints, heart, and nervous system can occur. But these symptoms are still treatable and curable.

“This discovery adds another important piece of information to the complex picture of tick-borne diseases in the United States,” CDC microbiologist Jeannine Petersen said in an agency news release.

The first indication there might be a new species of Lyme disease-causing bacteria was unusual lab test results from six samples from people suspected to have the illness. Further genetic testing at the CDC and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. pinpointed the new species of bacteria, webmd.com revealed, quoting the research.

So far, it has only been found in the upper Midwest, the study said. Preliminary findings suggest that illness caused by the new bacteria is similar. But, there may be some differences. Both cause fever, headache, rash, and neck pain in the first days after infection, and arthritis weeks after infection.

But the new bacteria also seem to cause nausea and vomiting, diffuse rashes rather than a single so-called “bull’s-eye” rash, and a higher concentration of bacteria in the blood, the CDC said.

Both types of bacteria are transmitted to people through the bite of an infected black-legged, or deer, tick, the CDC said. The new bacteria has been found in ticks gathered from at least two counties in northwestern Wisconsin, the CDC noted.

The first patients found to have B. mayonii-linked Lyme disease were likely bitten by ticks in north-central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. But it’s very likely that ticks infected with the bacteria are found throughout both states, the CDC said.

The CDC and state health departments in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin are working together to learn more about B. mayonii, the illness it causes, and the locations of ticks infected with the newly identified bacteria.

In order to get a better understanding of tick-borne diseases in general, the CDC funded a three-year effort to collect up to 30,000 specimens from people with suspected tick-borne illness.

“Coupling technology with teamwork between federal, state, and private entities will help improve early and accurate diagnosis of tick-borne diseases,” Ben Beard, chief of CDC’s Bacterial Diseases Branch, said in the news release.

The findings were released February 8 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal.

Antiperspirant May Boost Variety of 'Bugs' Living on Your Armpits

by Stephanie Pappas, Live Science Contributor

If you're an antiperspirant user, you probably slather on the stuff in order to wipe out odor-causing bacteria. A new study suggests that your methods work. But they also make your underarms a more diverse place to be.

The use of antiperspirants and deodorant alter the skin microbiome, according to a new open-access study published in the journal PeerJ on Tuesday (Feb. 2). Antiperspirants reduce the total number of bacteria dramatically, but seem to leave a more diverse group of survivors than what is seen on the underarms of people who use just deodorant or nothing at all.

There's no known health effect of this alteration. Antiperspirants and deodorants have been subject to suspicion for causing cancer, but the National Cancer Institute has found no evidence of a link. Nor have studies backed up speculation of a link between the aluminum in antiperspirants and Alzheimer's, another popular concern.

"Ultimately, we want to know if any changes in our microbial ecosystem are good or bad, but first we have to know what the landscape looks like and how our daily habits change it," study researcher Julie Horvath, who heads the genomics and microbiology research lab at North Carolina's Museum of Natural Sciences, part of NC State University, said in a statement.
 
Antiperspirants versus deodorants
As many as 90 percent of Americans use antiperspirants or deodorants, according to a 2001 article published in the journal Clinics in Dermatology. Antiperspirants use aluminum salts to block sweat glands, reducing perspiration and depriving odor-causing bacteria of the nutrients they need to survive. Deodorants use antimicrobial substances to kill off bacteria directly.

Given the bacteria-killing goals of these products, it was no surprise to see changes to the underarm microbiome with their use. Researchers asked 17 people to undergo armpit swabs for eight days straight. On the first day, they were instructed to follow their underarm routine as usual. Some participants used antiperspirant, some deodorant and some nothing at all. On days two through six, the participants were instructed to use nothing at all. Finally, on days seven and eight, all participants applied an antiperspirant (Secret Powder Fresh for women and Old Spice Fiji for men).

Participants were instructed to bathe or shower as usual, which they did with an impressive range of between three and 14 times a week. Researchers then cultured the bacteria found in each person's underarms on each day, and sequenced the bacterial genomes to find out what species were present. [Get a Whiff of This: Man Hasn't Showered in 12 Years]

Unsurprisingly, everyone's armpits became livelier after they quit using the antiperspirant or deodorant, with statistically significant increases in bacterial abundance by day four of the experiment. These thriving communities collapsed after participants applied antiperspirant in the final two days of the study. Underarms were home to an average of 750 colony-forming units of bacteria on the last product-free day of the study. This plummeted to 73, on average, on the first day of antiperspirant use, and to a mere 25 colony-forming units on the second day of use.

The diversity of you
More intriguing were the effects on bacterial diversity. The researchers found 22 species of bacteria on each participant, on average, and a total of 106 among all 17 study subjects from samples taken two days and five days after discontinuing antiperspirants and deodorants. People who initially did not use underarm products were hosts mostly to the Corynebacterium species — which happens to be the group of bacteria that's most associated with body odors. The underarm microbiomes of these people consisted of 62 percent Corynebacterium, 21 percent Staphylococcaceae, 8 percent Anaerococcus and 9 percent bacteria from other genuses after two and five days of stopping product use.

Those who had used deodorant at the beginning of the study showed a pattern in which the odor-causing bacteria and the common skin bacteria group Staphylococcaceae swapped. After two and five days of stopping use, deodorant users' microbiomes were 29 percent Corynebacterium, 61 percent Staphylococcaceae, 5 percent Anaerococcus and 5 percent other.

Antiperspirant users, on the other hand, were hosts to communities of 60 percent Staphylococcaceae, 14 percent stinky Corynebacterium, 4 percent Anaerococcus and 22 percent other — making for a more diverse assemblage.

"Using antiperspirant and deodorant completely rearranges the microbial ecosystem of your skin — what's living on us and in what amounts," Horvath said.

There were limitations to the study, such as its small size and the relatively short time period covered, the researchers wrote in PeerJ. The methods used to culture the bacteria may also have introduced biases into the measures of bacterial abundance. Race and gender of product users might matter as well; previous research has found that while most Caucasians have a gene that encourages stinky pits by contributing to a sweat compound preferred by odor-causing bacteria, most East Asians don't.

Presumably, the bacteria that survive despite antiperspirant and deodorant use aren't those that evolved alongside humans (or under their arms, in this case), the researchers wrote. The health effect of altering this microbiome could be good, bad or neutral.

"We really don't know at this point," Horvath said. "Those are questions that we're potentially interested in exploring."

10 Secrets to Brighter, Whiter Teeth

Want Brighter, Whiter Teeth?

Have your pearly whites lost their luster because of dingy gray or yellow stains? Stained teeth can occur as we age, but some common foods, drinks, and even mouthwashes can stain teeth. Do-it-yourself remedies can help whiten teeth, and avoiding substances that stain teeth can stop further discoloration. Use these secrets to whiter teeth to restore your bright smile.

Do-It-Yourself Teeth Whitening

You may be able to get rid of superficial stains by yourself. A number of at-home tooth-whitening products -- kits, strips, toothpastes, and rinses-- may lighten stains. There are even some old-fashioned remedies you can try. Tooth-whitening products available on drugstore shelves use mild bleach to brighten yellow teeth. Toothpastes use abrasives and chemicals to remove surface stains. For deep stains, you may need a dentist's help.

Tooth-Whitening Kits

A home tooth-whitening kit contains carbamide peroxide, a bleach that can remove both deep and surface stains and actually changes your natural tooth color. If you have coffee-stained teeth, a tooth-bleaching kit can help. With some kits, you apply a peroxide-based gel (with a small brush) to the surface of your teeth. In other kits, the gel is in a tray that molds to the teeth. The tray must be worn daily (for 30 to 45 minutes) for a week or more.

Home Whitening Strips

Tooth-whitening strips will help get rid of tooth stains. These strips are very thin, virtually invisible, and are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. You wear them a few minutes daily for a week or more. Results are visible in just a few days, and last at least a year. The results with strips are not as dramatic as with whitening kits, but the strips are easy to use and pretty much foolproof.

Whitening Toothpastes and Rinses

How to get stains off your teeth? Over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and rinses help remove some surface stains. Many of these products contain mild abrasives, chemicals, or polishing agents. Unlike bleaches, they don't change the natural color of teeth.

Home Remedies for Whiter Teeth

Some people still prefer the age-old home remedy of baking soda and a toothbrush to gently whiten teeth at home. Also, some foods such as celery, apples, pears, and carrots trigger lots of saliva, which helps wash away food debris on your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum is a tooth-cleansing action and also triggers saliva. A bonus from all that saliva: It neutralizes the acid that causes tooth decay. With teeth, more saliva is better all around.

Tooth Whitening and Dental Work

Approach tooth whitening with caution if you have lots of dental veneers, bonding, fillings, crowns, and bridges. Bleach will not lighten these manufactured teeth -- meaning they will stand out among your newly whitened natural teeth. In order to match your whiter teeth, you may need to investigate new dental work, including veneers or bonding.

Preventing Teeth Stains

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away. The underlying layer, called dentin, is yellower. That's why it's important to try to avoid staining teeth in the first place, especially after whitening. If you take care with foods and drinks that discolor teeth, the results of whitening may last up to one year. Whitening teeth too often could make them look translucent and blue, so you'll want to maintain your new smile.

To Keep Teeth White, Don't Light Up

Not only is it bad for your health, smoking is one of the worst offenders when it comes to staining teeth. Tobacco causes brown stains that penetrate the grooves and pits of tooth enamel. Tobacco stains can be hard to remove by brushing alone. The longer you smoke, the more entrenched the stains become. Smoking also causes bad breath and gingivitis (gum disease), and increases the risk of most types of cancer.

Foods that Cause Teeth Stains

There's another reason to watch what you eat. Some common foods can discolor teeth. Here's an easy way to tell if a food might be at fault: Anything that can stain a white cotton T-shirt can stain teeth, say dentists. Coffee stains teeth, for example. Other top offenders are beverages such as tea, dark sodas, and fruit juices. These teeth stains develop slowly and become more noticeable as we age.

Think As You Drink

They may be packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, but a glass of red wine, cranberry juice, or grape juice also stains teeth easily. That doesn't mean you should give them up, but remember to rinse your mouth after you drink. These aren't the only teeth-staining foods to be aware of.

More Foods That Stain Teeth

The deep color of these fruits and veggies gives them their nutritional punch. But blueberries, blackberries, and beets leave their color on teeth as well. Eat up for your health, and prevent tooth stains by:

• Brushing teeth immediately after eating.
• Rinsing your mouth with water.

Sports Drinks Tough on Teeth?

While all sweetened drinks are bad for teeth, some energy and sports drinks may be worse, according to one study in General Dentistry. Researchers found that these drinks -- as well as bottled lemonade -- may erode tooth enamel after long-term use. The result is thin, translucent, discolored teeth. To prevent tooth erosion:

• Don't sit and sip these drinks for a long time.
• Rinse your mouth with water when you finish drinking 

Medications That Can Stain Teeth

The antibiotic tetracycline causes gray teeth in children whose teeth are still developing. Antibacterial mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth. Some antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and blood pressure medications cause tooth stains, as can iron and excess fluoride. If bleaching doesn't help, ask your dentist about dental bonding, in which a tooth-colored material is applied to teeth.

Don't Forget Daily Maintenance

One simple strategy can help maintain white teeth: brush. Brush at least twice daily. Even better, brush after every meal and snack. Brushing helps prevent stains and yellow teeth, especially at the gum line. Both electric and sonic toothbrushes may be superior to traditional toothbrushes in removing plaque and surface stains on teeth. Also, don't forget to floss and use an antiseptic mouthwash daily.

Open Wide and Say 'Whiter Teeth!'

See your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning. The abrasion and polishing methods dentists use can remove many teeth stains caused by food and tobacco.

Benefits of Eating Fish During Pregnancy May Outweigh Mercury Risk

By Elizabeth Lees, Live Science Contributor


For pregnant women, eating fish every week may benefit the brain of their future child, and may even decrease his or her risk of having some of the early signs of autism, according to a new study.

In the study, researchers in Spain followed about 2,000 mothers and their children, beginning in the mothers' first trimester of pregnancy, and continuing until the children turned 5. The results showed that the children whose mothers ate three to four servings of fish a week had IQ scores that were 2.8 percent higher than those whose mothers ate less fish.

The study also showed that children whose mothers ate an average of 21 ounces of fish every week (about three to four servings) during their pregnancy showed no signs that mercury in fish negatively affected their developmental health, compared with the children whose mothers ate less fish.

What makes the findings particularly surprising is that certain fish, such as tuna or tilefish — which pregnant women have been discouraged from eating because of their higher levels of mercury — were linked to some of the biggest developmental benefits, said Jordi Julvez, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona.

The study was observational, so it does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between fish and higher IQ scores. However, the findings suggest that high levels of a compound called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may outweigh any negative effects of mercury, the researchers said.

Fish such as tuna that may have mercury also hold higher levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a critical role in brain growth and development, Julvez said.

"Maybe this effect is masking the negative effects that come from mercury," Julvez told Live Science. Or, "maybe this is more beneficial than the toxic effect of the mercury itself." [6 Foods That Are Good For Your Brain]
The current recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggest that pregnant women eat two to three servings of fish per week, and that they choose types of fish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon.

In the study, the researchers took blood from the babies' umbilical cords after they were born, and measured the levels of both mercury and DHA in their blood. Later, when the children were 14 months old, and again when they were 5, the researchers tested the children to assess their cognitive development and to look for signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

"A consistent reduction in autism-spectrum traits was also observed" in the children whose mothers ate increasing levels of fish, the researchers wrote in their study.

Concerns about eating fish during pregnancy arose when some previous findings suggested that prenatal exposure to mercury found in fish may increase the risk of developmental health problems. For example, a study by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increased consumption of fish containing methyl mercury may be linked with a risk of heart damage and irreversible impairment in brain function in children.

In that study, published in 2004 in the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers examined more than 800 children in 1986 and 1987 in Denmark's Faroe Islands, where seafood is a large part of people's diet. They sampled the children's umbilical cord blood at birth and took hair samples to look for mercury exposure when the children were ages 7 and 14.

They found that at age 7, children's development tracked with their level of mercury exposure. For example, those exposed to mercury at double the limit set for the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were behind by 1.5 to 2 months. These developmental issues did not seem to improve with age.

Although more study of the link between fish consumption and brain development is needed, the new results are in line with many earlier studies that have linked eating fish during pregnancy with better outcomes in children, said Edwin VanWijngaarden, chief of epidemiology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who was not involved in the new study.

VanWijngaarden conducted another major study on children's fish consumption that looked at people who live in the Seychelles (islands in the Indian Ocean), who tend to consume at least eight meals containing fish per week. VanWijngaarden said he found in 2013 that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish were beneficial to children's language development.

"Because of this [study], the FDA and EPA in their 2014 draft advice emphasized the benefits of fish consumption among pregnant women and advised a minimum intake while taking care not to consume larger fish that is known to have greater mercury content," VanWijngaardensaid.

The researchers will continue to follow the children in the new study until age 9, Julvez said.
The study was published online Jan. 5 in The American Journal of Epidemiology.

Originally published on Live Science.