Well Past 50: The Weblog of Boomerful.com

Tips for a More Romantic Valentine's Day

For those of us who have been in relationships for 20, 30, 40 years or more, Valentine's Day may have become that arbitrary card-buying, candy-getting day that has little real meaning in our lives. Worse yet, our relationships may have become a series of arbitrary yet meaningless expressions of love - "love you, dear, good night".

Let's make Valentine's Day a day to start fresh, putting new life into old relationships. The best way to start is to fall in love with your partner all over again. Not so easy, with money worries, kids in college and aging parents to think about? Just take a moment to remember why you fell in love with him in the first place. Don't just remember - re-live it. Think of those moments locked in your memory when he did something that really defined what it is you love about him, and remember how it felt. Now hold on to that.

With those tender feelings locked in your brain, start to plan a special Valentine's evening as the start of a new commitment to the two of you. Do a little planning to make it special. Choose something to wear that is soft, feminine, a little sexy, and comfortable. Go for the naughty lingerie if you're comfortable in it, but not if it makes you feel awkward or self-conscious. Tonight you want to feel confident, in control, and focused on him - not what you're wearing.

Put Michael Buble on the stereo and open a bottle of champagne - the sparkles are sensual and thought of by many as an aphrodisiac. Don't go for tequila shots, which may seem sexy until they make you think you can sing like Roberta Flack. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face may be YOUR song, but the way your face looks after a few belts of hard liquor is nothing he wants to remember. And don't drink too much. You'll be asleep before the real romance begins.

Plan a meal that's light, and can be eaten with your fingers. There's nothing sensual about digging into a stuffed pork chop, followed by an Alka-Seltzer chaser. There is something sensual about tearing the leaves off an artichoke, dipping them into hollandaise and pulling the leaves through your teeth. In fact, anything that can be picked up and dipped is sensual. Asparagus spears are considered an aphrodisiac and are sexy to eat. Strawberries dipped in chocolate make a definite statement - or invitation. And chocolate is also considered an aphrodisiac because it increases your serotonin level and makes you feel good all over.

Shrimp cocktail served in a martini glass or a fresh baguette torn into pieces with your hands and dipped in olive oil and parmesan is a sensual experience. Make your dinner all finger foods, and remember that it's good for the soul, and the sensuality levels, to play with your food. Look into his eyes as you pull the artichoke leaves through your teeth or put that whole strawberry into your mouth. Let him know that he is the focus. And after a gratifying, romantic evening, promise yourself that this won't be the last. You don't want to repeat it every week, but once a month would keep those fires burning.

Enjoy each other. Treasure the relationship you share. Make a commitment to put the romance back into your relationship.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lights! Camera! Romance!

On Valentine's Day - Thursday, February 14 - Nancy Nehlsen, Editor-in-Chief of Boomerful.com, will appear on a popular Midwest regional television program. The show, Paula Sands Live, is aired daily on KWQC-TV in the Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois viewing area at 4:30 p.m. CST. On Thursday's show, Nancy will discuss Valentine’s Day "Do's and Don’ts" and even prepare quick, romantic (but affordable!) Valentine’s Day snacks for that special someone. Don't miss it!

Boomerful Book Review: The Writing Diet

The Writing Diet: Write Yourself Right-Size

by Julia Cameron

Published by Tarcher/Penguin

Reviewed by Mark McLaughlin, Associate Editor

Finally, an easy-to-read, friendly diet book that addresses the core reasons why people overeat in the first place! As a person whose weight has fluctuated over the years, I have tried many different diet plans, some more effective than others. But eventually, I have come to realize that most overeating is due to some form of unhappiness.

I also realize that conclusion may not hold true for everyone. Some weight issues are caused by medical conditions, poor food choices, or other reasons. But still, many people use food as a replacement for some other fulfillment that is eluding them. Think about the word fulfillment itself: the act of filling oneself full. Some people aren’t full of happiness, so they fill themselves with food instead.

This book encourages readers to write more, keep journals, and get in touch with the inner workings of their minds. By getting in touch with that inner self and writing down thoughts and observations, readers can learn to see food cravings as what they sometimes are: signposts to what one is really craving.

Julia Cameron encourages readers to nurture their creativity and slim down in the process. Chapters in the book deal with various triggers to overeating, like the Snack Attack, Night Eating, Food as Sedative, and Food as High. Other chapters discuss Exercise, Fresh Foods, Affirmations - and my favorite, Do Something Else. Try to substitute a bad habit, like snacking, with the good habit or hobby of your choice. After all, many people just eat too much because they're bored and eating gives them something to do!

The book makes for fascinating reading and the author comes across as a kind, friendly, sympathetic soul, the kind of person you might like to have coffee with, or invite to the house to watch a favorite old movie. When you buy the book, you may want to buy some notepads and pens, too - you're going to be doing a lot of writing!

Does Your Love-Life Need Intensive Care?

by Nancy Nehlsen, Editor-in-Chief, Boomerful.com


Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so of course every woman’s magazine has a helpful article about how to put the romance back into your stale, old relationship that’s limping along with the fervor of a teenager locked in a room with a stack of Encyclopedia Britannica. Before you write love notes for every day of the week, or put your lipstick imprint on his boxer shorts (causing a plethora of laundry challenges later), think carefully about the basis of your relationship.

My husband and I have spent 20 years in a loving, sexually-satisfying relationship. It is important to note that “sexually satisfying” can mean different things to different people. To some couples a sexually satisfying relationship requires a wide variety of gadgets, videos, positions and even partners.  We are not one of those couples. Call our sex life low-key. Or, those of you who find yourself described above, call our sex life a fairly effective sleep aid – if you happen to be watching. But it works for us, so if you are one of the aforementioned couples, just mind your own business.

Whatever you choose to call us, you can imagine that whips, chains and super sexy skivvies are not our thing. At least they weren’t until Valentine’s Day of 1999. The kids were young, our lives were overscheduled, and sex had taken a back seat – actually it was lingering at the emergency exit. Being the take-charge woman I am, I decided to put the zing back into our lackluster sex life. I, like you, had read Cosmo long enough to know that a man has 13 erotic buttons, all of which can be successfully pushed if you are wearing a leather corset paired with a lace garter belt or delicate crotchless panties.

I paid a visit to the Playful Adults Erotic Lingerie Emporium, featuring over 3000 seductive corsets, bustiers, thongs, baby dolls and teddies. It would be an understatement to say that my eyes were opened. My eyes were actually popping out of my head. Who knew people would go to such lengths to attain an experience that lasts between 4 and 15 seconds in women, and roughly three nanoseconds in men. I put my head down, lifted my hood over my face and began digging through the bustier rack.

I quickly found a demure little number, a white lace corset with tiny red hearts strategically placed at the points where the garters connect. The matching white fish net stockings and tasteful thong, the width of my shoe lace, completed the look. I would strike such passion into my husband’s loins that – well, who knew what might happen.

That night I sent the kids to bed early and slipped covertly into the bedroom to prepare. I knew better than to look in the mirror. This was not the kind of outfit I had ever remotely considered wearing. The feminist side of me found it ridiculous, the wifely side of me thought it necessary to push the thirteen buttons. I took a deep, uncomfortable breath and called Doug away from the Bears’ game to our secret sexual rendezvous.

When Doug opened the door to find me leaning seductively against the dresser it was hard to tell what thoughts were going through his head. The slight frown could have indicated disbelief, disenchantment, or that he simply didn’t recognize me. Suddenly I felt ridiculous. I was standing in an outfit that was completely out of character for me, my potbelly protruding between the bottom of the corset and the top of the thong, awkwardly trying to strike a pose that felt natural in this situation. 

Doug was quick to recognize my expectations of him and attempted a passionate grab. Because I had decided on a pose that had one toe pointed and balancing in a ballet position, I fell backward, grabbing for anything within range to regain my balance. Doug grabbed for me, trying valiantly to retrieve my dignity as he awkwardly flung me onto the bed. We toppled onto the comforter, striking positions that implied lust as we made the arbitrary passionate gasps and grabbed at each other’s clothing. 

No matter how we grabbed and gasped and tried desperately to let the waves of passion overtake us, the waves were nothing more than ripples, and we were both becoming more and more embarrassed by the futility of the exercise. Not only had I not pushed all thirteen buttons, I couldn’t even seem to get a crank start. It just wasn’t “us” and it wasn’t working.

So, all of you couples who are into gadgets, videos, positions and other partners are probably saying, “How could you waste a perfectly good lace corset, not to mention an evening with the kids in bed early?” Well, it wasn’t entirely wasted. We stopped, we giggled, and we discussed what really turns us on. Unfortunately for the $49.95 I paid to dress like a demure hooker, it wasn’t sexy lingerie. It was holding each other when we had put the kids to bed and could hear their breathing as they slept. It was listening to music together while we talked and talked over a glass of really good wine. It was seeing the other step out of the bath, dripping wet, and suddenly want to put our arms around them. It was stopping to remember what we had shared, from the joy of our children, to the grief of losing a parent, to supporting each other in every business endeavor.

Every couple has their very own list of turn-ons. Some are more blatantly sexual than ours. The white lace corset certainly works for many. The lipstick imprint on the boxer shorts may even work for some. But, the point is, you need to figure out your own personal list of turn-ons. Then surprise your sweetie with something that truly works for your relationship. Just make the effort to put the zing back into your sex life. And, if you think it would work for you, remember … Playful Adults Erotic Lingerie Emporium.

Don’t Give Him Your Number! Give Him Your Vumber

Melina Papadakis checks out the latest communications techno-tool – and this one is a real winner for safety-conscious ladies on the dating scene.

Perhaps you've spoken once or twice with a guy at a bar or via an online dating website - should you trust him with your private number? Don’t give him your number. Give him your Vumber.

Vumber - www.vumber.com - protects your dating life by providing a secure two-way calling service that protects your privacy by concealing your phone number. Vumber screens and fends off dubious dudes by building numerous sets of numbers connected directly to your phone, with a different voice mail for each. Now you can Vumber your would-be stalker - or future boyfriend - with a number and area code from anywhere across the country, handling the call just the way you want.

You may choose any available area code for your new number and link this new line to your cell phone, desk/work phone, and home phone. Once you've linked the Vumber number to your phone (this is done through the Internet), all calls made to your new Vumber will ring on your regular phone. You may change your private number as many times as you wish, adding or subtracting the line.

Vumber even offers the ability to program into the phone that you are "always busy", "no answer", or it can simply send the call to voice-mail. It can even fix the voice-mail to say "this line is no longer in service."

Have you ever had an unwelcome gentleman (or rather, not-so-gentle-man) caller? If so, how did you handle the situation?

If You Were Having a Heart Attack, Would You Know It?

Not all broken hearts are related to romantic issues! February is American Heart Month and Melina Papadakis looks into heart disease among women. Here at Boomerful.com, we want you to have a strong, healthy, loving heart!

When it comes to heart attacks, what you don’t know could kill you. Each year, about 40,000 women in America under age 55 are hospitalized for heart disease - and 16,000 will die. Yet heart disease just isn't on most women's radar. The February issue of Ladies' Home Journal explains why symptoms can be so different from what is expected, and offers these six steps that could save your life if you ever think you’re having a heart attack.

1. Know the Symptoms: A majority of male and female heart attack survivors in a university study admitted there was less discomfort than they would have expected. Instead of chest pain, you may feel pressure or a pain or unusual sensations somewhere other than your chest, such as your upper abdomen, the left side of your back, your shoulder - even your jaw. Sudden onset of fatigue, nausea and weakness are also common female symptoms.

2. Call 911 Immediately: Say forcefully that you think you're having a heart attack. Don't worry about being wrong - there's a limited window of time to get the full benefit of clot-busting drugs and balloon angioplasty.

3. Consider Aspirin: Taking an aspirin soon after a heart attack can significantly improve survival - but not always. Ask the 911 operator.

4. Wait for the Ambulance: Arriving by ambulance can speed up "door-to-balloon angioplasty" by up to 18 minutes, on average. Also, if your heart stops in an ambulance, paramedics can immediately use a defibrillator, which can shock it back into a healthy rhythm.

5. Don't Go Alone: Always call 911 first. After that, contact a family member, friend or neighbor who can get to your location the fastest. Tell them what your symptoms are, as well as the location of your insurance card and contact list. Also write down what you feel you have, and unlock your door in case you lose consciousness. Loosen any tight clothing and sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

6. Know Your Hospitals: You may be able to be taken to the hospital of your choice - however, the crew may be unable to comply if they are urgently needed for other calls.

Also, keep a Heart Attack Emergency Kit on hand!

*  Keep a bottle of uncoated aspirin in your cabinet.
*  Prepare a contact list.
*  Keep a pen and pad handy to write down your symptoms in case you become unable to speak.
*  Ask your doctor which hospital to use for emergencies and research the best cardio units near you.
*  If you're allergic to any drugs or have a chronic health issue, consider wearing a medical bracelet.
*  Know your insurance plan's rules for ER treatment, including those for using out-of-network hospitals.

Have you ever had a heart attack? If so, what were the symptoms? Did you know immediately that you were having a heart attack?

The Trip to Beautiful: Boomerful.com Chats with Lois W. Stern, Author of SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY

Associate editor Mark McLaughlin recently chatted with Lois W. Stern, Author of SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY, who had a lot to say about ... well, sex, lies and cosmetic surgery!

Boomerful.com: Lois, tell us a bit about your background.

Lois: I graduated from Barnard College with a degree in Sociological research. I think I was always interested in "what makes people tick."

I got married the week after graduation. My husband was just entering law school and I needed quick employment to keep us from starving. Fortunately, I was able to get a teaching job after attending a six-week Intensive Teacher Training program! I just needed to take courses at night until I earned my Masters Degree.

I was a stay-at-home mom until our youngest child entered first grade, then I resumed my career in education. Again, I went to school at night to earn an advanced degree in a specialized area of education. I was always writing: for my work, for professional journals and two books for children. But Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery, well, that's far removed from children's literature, isn't it?

I have a sound button on my website where you can listen to me speak about my childhood and how I got into writing this book. http://www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com/Lois_W.Stern.html

Boomerful.com: For our readers who haven't read your book (yet!) - have you had cosmetic surgery? If so, could you tell us which procedure(s)?

Lois: Yes, I did. Frankly, I always thought of women who had facelifts as rather vain and shallow, and only got into it myself because of a medical condition that needed repair. But then I began to think: "Well, as long as I need to undergo anesthesia, why not do more?" So I had a total face-lift and a chin implant.

That was the part that thrilled me the most. It's such a long story why that chin implant effected me so deeply, but when readers read about my first post-surgery look in the mirror, they understand why. I'm not at all self-conscious about my surgery any more. In the book's Epilogue, I take readers through the entire process, with lots of pictures of me starting from the day before my surgery to the days and weeks afterwards.

Guess what I found out along the way? Cosmetic surgery is not so much about vanity or shallowness. I think it's more about awareness and sensitivity.

Boomerful.com: So cosmetic surgery improved your life - but did it have any downside?

Lois: It did improve my life, but it doesn't for everyone, although for most I think that is true. It gave me renewed energy and zest for living. And it gave me a new career, as well. But despite having a completely successful experience, which always includes patient satisfaction, I needed to emotionally adjust, and that did take some time.

Boomerful.com: What was your husband's reaction to your cosmetic surgery?

Lois: When I first spoke to my husband about cosmetic surgery, he felt it was a foolish idea. "Why would you want to put yourself through all that?" But as I talked more about it, he said: "Look, all I want is for you to be happy. If you're happy, then I'm happy too." Is it any wonder I've stuck with him for so many years? When he drove me home after surgery and saw my head wrapped in that helmet dressing, he said he almost fainted. But as he watched me heal day by day, his smile just kept getting broader.

Boomerful.com: Give us an overview of your book, and tell us, why did you decide to write it? Is this your first book?

Lois: Well, I mentioned that cosmetic surgery was a very emotional experience for me. I'm usually pretty stable and level-headed, but emotionally it threw me some curve balls. Some of this had to do with my own sexuality. Some of it had to do with transference, a feeling of tremendous attraction toward my plastic surgeon. I just didn't know how to handle all that emotion at the time.

I needed to know if I was unique or if other women's experiences were similar to mine. I searched the literature, but nothing much had been written about those intimate aspects relating to cosmetic surgery. That's why I began speaking with other women. If I didn't find similarities between their experiences and mine, I surely would have kept my mouth shut and my fingers away from the keyboard.

Boomerful.com: You talked with a lot of different women to get information for this book. How did you find women to talk to - and were any reluctant at first to tell their stories?

Lois: Everyone seems curious about these same questions, so let me answer them one at a time.

"How did you find so many women willing to be interviewed?"

I did a lot of networking. I asked for referrals from people I knew in related fields, such as estheticians, plastic surgery nurses, a cosmetic surgery consultant, the director of an upscale gym, and began that way. These professionals spoke with selected clients for me and asked them if they would be willing to be interviewed. I put a notice in the Barnard Alumnae Magazine, contacted people affiliated with cosmetic surgery websites and more.

"How did you get them to talk so openly about such personal aspects of their lives?"

I always started my interviews by explaining that I had recently had cosmetic surgery myself and became interested in writing about its impacts on other women. I told them that they could conceal their identity in various ways (such as changing their name or residence), but otherwise, I wanted complete accuracy and honesty. I explained that this would be a dialogue, so they could ask me questions, too. If any question of mine made them uncomfortable, they could just ask me to move on.

Boomerful.com: Sex and lies - sounds provocative! Tell us how sex and lies figure into the book.

Lois: Yes, the SEX part is provocative. The first chapter of my book is titled: Cosmetic Surgery - The Aphrodisiac Effect. The second chapter: Sexuality on the Home Front. I think that speaks for itself! The LIES part is a little more ambiguous and has three components. Women who don't want others to know about their surgery sometimes create elaborate stories to maintain secrecy.

Part one includes some of those inventive deception stories. Part Two is about the lies we tell ourselves. Many women I spoke with had hidden motivations for surgery that they didn't even want to admit to themselves. When I asked the question: "Is there anything you hoped would change in your life after cosmetic surgery?", I got very different answers than when I asked: "What motivated you to have your surgery?"

And Part Three is not quite about lies, but common misconceptions surrounding cosmetic surgery. I wanted to help women understand the process better, from what to look for in selecting a surgeon, important questions to ask, important information to share, to how to partner with your surgeon for the best chance for rewarding results.

There is so much misinformation out there! I just wrote an article entitled "Lessons Learned From the Donda West Tragedy" that's posted on my website at: http://www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com/Newsletter.html

If only she had known the facts, she most likely would be with us today.

Boomerful.com: Are you working on a new book? If so, what's it about?

Lois: Yes, it's going to be about minimally invasive procedures, sometimes dubbed "Lunchtime Procedures." We're living in a society where everyone is looking for immediate gratification. People don't want prolonged downtime - just a little social downtime at best, so this arena within the field of aesthetics is growing by leaps and bounds.

Boomerful.com: How can folks get Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery?

Lois: It's in a number of book stores, but if not available, it can certainly be ordered for you. Of course there's always www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesandNobles.com.

Best of all, I have a special offer running for my radio listeners and also, Boomerful.com readers. Not only is the book well priced, but it will be autographed (written to your request), and sent with a FREE gift, that I just love! When you go to www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com, click on the "Radio Listeners" button and it will take you to that order page.

Boomerful.com: Anything else you would like to share?

Lois: Yes, I write a health and beauty newsletter - 10 issues a year. Each one contains new articles with cutting edge information and other relevant news. I invite readers to take a look at the articles I have posted. There is a handy sign-up form at http://www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com/Newsletter.html so they can add their names to my confidential e-newsletter list.

Boomerful.com: Lois, it was a delight to talk with you.

Lois: Thanks, Mark! I enjoyed the chat.

Product Review: Premcal Supplements for PMS Sufferers

The media folks who represent Premcal told us how their product helps those who suffer from PMS, so we asked one of our writers to try them out. This is her report.

Product Review: Premcal Supplements
http://www.premcal4pms.com/
by Theresa

As a sufferer of PMS, I agreed to test the Premcal supplements. I am not an advocate of pill popping, but since the ingredients in Premcal consist only of vitamins and minerals - D-3, Calcium and Magnesium - I thought it may not help, but it couldn’t hurt. I do take vitamins on a daily basis, some of which include calcium and magnesium.

I was concerned about “overdosing” on the calcium and magnesium so I did use the maker’s on-line Q&A to get their advice. I received a quick response that if I was going to take the Premcal, I should discontinue taking my regular daily supplements. I followed their advice and have been taking the Premcal for three months.

Here’s what I have to report: I was hoping for a “miracle cure” from the PMS symptoms of carb cravings, feeling fat, and crankiness. These symptoms haven’t completely disappeared, but they aren’t as severe - especially the bad food cravings. The “need” for chocolate and sugar has decreased quite a bit. Feeling fat and bloated, in part due to consuming less “junk” food, has been reduced as well. I still have the crankiness - maybe not as bad, but it is still there. In short: if you are a sufferer of PMS, try Premcal, but don’t expect overnight results. Will I continue with Premcal? If the cost isn’t too high – yes.

Valentine's Day Top Ten Tip List for the Newly Single

Melina Papadakis shares some information on celebrating Valentine's Day AFTER the divorce ... it may not be easy, but these tips can help!

This February 14th, three-million newly divorced Americans will face their first Valentine's Day without a spouse. www.Divorce360.com, an online publication and community offering information, support and tools needed to handle divorce, offers these top ten tips for the newly single on how to survive and even enjoy Valentine's Day this year.

1) Instead of feeling badly about not receiving any gifts, become a giver. Make a list of people you love and surprise them with something thoughtful. Remember the phrase: It's better to give than to receive. Plan to hand-deliver as many gifts as you can so your day is busy and full of good feelings.

2) Plan a night out with your single friends. Chances are you've still got one or two. "Remember that it's not odd or unusual in any way to be single on Valentine's Day," says Kristin Cavins, a mental health counselor with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. "Right now there are more singles in this country than ever. It's a great time to have a party or go out as a group."

3) Gather up those old love notes that cause more pain than anything else and have a Valentine's Bonfire. You can do this in your fireplace, inside a circle of large stones in your backyard, or go somewhere neutral where it's safe to build a fire. Nothing warms a wounded heart more than destroying painful memories once and for all.

4) For those who are ready to move on and feel that Valentine's Day requires a date, find an appealing singles event in your area. Look on community websites or in the local paper to find advertised events or just ask around at the office, church, temple or any other place you hang out. Not one for singles events? Don't be afraid to browse online dating sites.

5) Celebrate being single this year by doing an out-of-the-ordinary solo activity. Visit a psychic, get pampered at a spa, schedule a horseback-riding lesson, or try a yoga class - anything unusual that excites you. "Choose an activity that you might not typically do," says Barb Nefer, a counselor with a doctorate in Psychology. "Make it about self-love vs. being reliant on an outside source."

6) Don't feel like doing much? Allow yourself the luxury of driving through or ordering in from your favorite restaurant. Rent a movie, buy some magazines or curl up with a good book and just relax.

7) If being alone on Valentine's Day is the last thing you want, host a small party or get-together at your place. "Staying isolated and singing the blues is never going to lead to recovery," says licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Vicki Carpel-Miller. "Being around other people, staying active and involved keeps the mind occupied in a positive direction." Make some cocktails and appetizers and invite as many non-couples as you can. Have a secret Valentine gift exchange!

8) Go the extra mile this year: plan a trip to visit a friend or relative. Take a short drive or flight and spend the holiday with someone you love. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, plan a trip to somewhere you've never been and always wanted to see. Ask a friend to join you or meet you there and have fun exploring a new place.

9) For those who like the culinary arts, Valentine's Day is an excellent excuse to cook a gourmet dinner. Make yourself a favorite meal or experiment with a new recipe. If you drink, open a bottle of good wine and enjoy the process of cooking for yourself. Invite someone over if you want to share, or cook just enough for yourself this Valentine's Day.

10) Don't feel like celebrating Valentine's Day at all? Then don't! Maybe you've never liked Valentine's Day, or maybe this year you'd rather just ignore it. Whatever your reasons, give yourself a "get-out-of-Valentine's-Day-free" card. Go about your business as you would on any other day and don't sweat it. Pretend to be hard of hearing if anyone wishes you a happy Valentine's Day - and whatever you do, don't wear red!

Do you have some tips you'd like to add to this list? Post them here! Thank you!

Cranberries: A Miracle Cure for Women?

Contributing editor Melina Papadakis covers cranberries - folk remedy or miracle cure? Read on...

Cranberry juice, long dismissed as a dubious folk remedy for urinary tract infections in women, is finally getting some long-overdue respect!

Professor Itzhak Ofek, a researcher at Tel Aviv University, has been studying cranberries over the past two decades, and his research shows that the tart juice does indeed fight urinary tract infections. Plus, he has found that the red beverage has other medicinal qualities.

Professor Ofek has found that cranberry juice exhibits anti-viral properties against the flu and can even prevent cavities and lessen the reoccurrence of gastric ulcers. Unfortunately for the gents, new research published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research suggests that for ulcers, as with urinary tract infections, the healing power of cranberries applies only to women.

The professor also found that NDM inhibits adhesion of oral bacteria to tooth surfaces, thus reducing cavities. "After a clinical trial, we formulated a mouthwash based on cranberries," the professor said. He also found that NDM inhibits the flu virus from attaching to cells in the body. It also inhibits two-thirds of the "unhealthy" bacteria that cling to gastric cells, leading to ulcers.

The healing properties of cranberries stem from a heavy molecule known as non-dialyzable material, or NDM. This molecule seems to coat some bodily surfaces with Teflon-like efficiency, preventing infection-causing agents from grabbing hold.

Happily, NDM appears to have no effect on some of the good bacteria in our bodies, Professor Ofek says. "We understood that there was something in cranberry juice that doesn't let infections adhere to a woman's bladder," the professor added. "We figured it was a specific inhibitor and proved this to be the case."

Apparently, cranberries are a girl’s best friend, but not necessarily a guy’s: all this research appears to only hold true for women. "The whole thing with cranberries seems to be female-oriented," noted Professor Ofek.

Cranberry research continues. Recently, it was found that cranberry NDM may act as an anti-cancer agent. Professor Ofek recommends that women drink two glasses a day to treat certain infections. And he also suggests that men should drink two glasses a day – apparently, to be on the safe side.

The Ocean Spray cranberry juice company funded much of Professor Ofek's early research - I bet they'd like men and women everywhere to drink two glasses a day! But hey, it's tasty stuff, and apparently extremely healthy for you - so why not?

If you know any folk remedies, post them there! We'd love to read them. Thank you!