Lying to survive
A recent piece by The Independent : The Science of lying, why the truth can really hurt explores the possibility that lying evolved as a survival trait. If we could survive in the wild better by knowing how to influence animal behavior or the behavior of others, then that might have given us a higher chance to direct their actions. Used in the context of hunting or being hunted this makes sense, there are even some animals in the wild that will feign injury to lead predators away from nests and young or by predators to lure prey closer.
Robert Feldman, Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts does state in the article that he is hesitant to place lying on the level of pure instinct. Dr. Feldman does state that once someone realizes the power of lying, there is more than enough reinforcement to keep up the behavior.
Another report from abc.net.au written by Maryke Steffens tries to relate lying to the ability to empathize. This moves the term lying further away from instinctive deception to a cognitive process only seen in higher level primates. Richard Byrne, Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of St. Andrews in the UK and author of The Thinking Ape, states that the conscious form of deception is different to the plant and animal deception.
Whether instinct or part of a higher level cognitive function lying seems to be part of our daily lives. Lying can also be an addictive behavior and lead to very serious consequences. Would society be better off if humans were incapable of lying? How might we go about becoming more honest or detecting honesty in others? These are questions many behavioral and evolutionary scientist are wrestling with still today.
GeekHealth Review : Supplement-IT
What is it?
Supplement-IT is a nutritional supplement formulated to specifically address the physical and mental stress challenges of Information Technology Professionals. Supplement‐IT takes a nutraceutical approach to supporting performance‐based functions such as enhanced concentration and mental clarity; sustained energy and endurance, promotion of a calm and controlled mood, and boosted immune system response.
How was Supplement-IT created?
Supplement-IT was created by two Information Technology Professionals who lived your daily grind.
“We know first-hand the effects of sleep deprivation, relentless pages, never-ending bridge calls, and the cubical life. We’ve been there, and we know your pain. We decided there HAS to be a better way to deal with the work-stress than just caffeine and energy drinks!”
Review Results
GeekHealth.org distributed bottles of Supplement-IT to a number of IT professionals: Developers, CSRs, and System/Network Administrators along with office administrative staff.
100% of the results reported back were extremely positive: Supplement-IT delivers a quality product that lives up to its claims.
In addition to the positive feedback we received, we are very happy to report that not one review
er encountered any adverse side effects. This was very good news because a number of our reviewers were also taking prescription medications and were initially concerned about interactions.
Reviewer Comment Highlights
· At first I was skeptical, but I definitely noticed a reduction in my eye strain on days I took Supplement-IT.
· Now when I feel a headache coming on, or start to feel my eyes go fuzzy, I bypass my aspirin and go for Supplement-IT.
· I’d take it just for the focus enhancement alone, having the other effects are just icing on the cake.
· I hate to admit it, but I’m taking it at home too. I take one before sitting down to play my X-Box. I can play for an hour or two at a time, and Supplement-IT actually helps me perform better.
· It has helped me get through a very stressful week.
· There wasn’t a kick or rush, which I expected. This stuff just kind of gets to work quietly but you can tell it is helping.
What are the Ingredients?
Quercetin: Antioxidant supporting mental alertness, concentration, work performance, and attention to detail
Theanine: Amino acid found in green tea. Theanine can produce a calming effect and improve mood along with increasing focus and cerebral functions. Safe to use if you are already caffeinated, in fact Theanine has been found to be synergistic with caffeine. [More Information]
Citicoline: Assists with concentration, energy, optimal neural function, and cognition. Nicknamed “food for the brain”
Lutein: Carotenoid found in green vegetables, alleviates eye strain, light damage, and maintains skin-health (elasticity & hydration)
Rhodiola Rosea (golden root): Mood lifter which fights stress, anxiety, and depression
Beta Glucan: Naturally boost your immune system
Vitamins D & E: Provides nutrients lost from sunlight deprivation.
Where is the Caffeine?
One common initial misconception we encountered was that an IT supplement must be an energy booster filled with stimulants. Reviewers were pleased to find out that Supplement-IT contains no caffeine or other stimulants.
Who Makes it?
Working with the staff at SMAZEN was a pleasure. They were quick to respond to all our questions, and we would like to point out most of the questions our reviewers asked before taking Supplement-IT were already addressed on the Supplement-IT FAQ
It is clear that the staff at SMAZEN have done their homework to develop and produce a safe and effective product.
GeekHelath.org fully supports SMAZEN and Supplement-IT.
What am I drinking : Sugar Free NOS energy drink
There are a huge number of drinks out there that claim to help increase your energy level. A good number of these drinks come in sugar free versions, offering the best of two worlds, increased performance/energy and zero calories. What could be better?
GeekHealth.org takes a look at Sugar Free NOS, which is labeled as a “High Performance Energy Drink”. It comes in a bright orange 16oz can, and besides the standard nutritional information there is a special “Energy Blend” section. Just looking over it you get the feeling that what’s inside should boost your energy levels through the roof, but just what are they putting in there, and just what are you putting in your body?
Carbonated Water
Water that has carbon dioxide gas(CO2) dissolved in it. Carbonated water is acidic from the formation of carbonic acid, and can contribute to the thinning of tooth enamel as well as contributing to a more acidic blood pH. Both conditions are unlikely to be caused by the normal consumption of simple carbonated water, but soft drinks are usually much higher in acid content from the addition of other acids such as phosphoric acid and citric acid.
Citric Acid
Natural organic acid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. It is a natural preservative and has an acidic or sour taste.
Taurine
An organic acid, found naturally in seafood and meat. Taurine is listed on NOS as part of their “Energy Blend” and was listed as 1,000mg. One study by the College of Pharmacy-West Palm Beach, found that “The amounts of guarana, taurine, and ginseng found in popular energy drinks are far below the amounts expected to deliver either therapeutic benefits or adverse events.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18595815
Sodium Citrate
This is most likely Trisodium citrate. Trisodium citrate is used in foods as a flavoring agent and preservative. Trisodium citrate is also used to regulate acidity. Trisodium citrate can be used medically as an anticoagulant during blood transfusions.
Passion fruit
Flavoring
L-Carnitine
NOS lists this in the “Energy Blend” and includes 200mg in its sugar free drink. Some studies do conclude that Carnitine taken orally may help reduce fat mass, http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm.
Caffeine
See http://www.geekhealth.org/post/2009/11/13/Caffeine-The-worlds-most-used-legal-drug.aspx
Sodium Hexametaphosphate (preservative)
Used as a sequestrant
Inositol
NOS lists this in the “Energy Blend” and includes 100mg in its sugar free drink. There is no doubt that Inositol is helpful to normal bodily functions such as : metabolism, preventing fatty deposits in the liver, and promoting healthy hair growth. The amount used here (100mg) is generally considered too low to have any real health impact but some people attest that greater daily intake of Inositol is beneficial. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-inositol.htm
Monopotassium Phosphate
If you check out Wikipedia you might question why this substance is in your drink (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopotassium_phosphate) although it is commonly used in the foods as a buffer and emulsifier.
Gum Arabic
Natural gum that can be found in the sap of acacia trees and most likely included in NOS for its surface tension reducing properties. i.e. It makes the drink bubble easier.
Sodium Benzoate (preservative)
Used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, sodium benzoate is a powerful preservative found in many foods. When combined with ascorbic acid sodium benzoate can form benzene which is a known carcinogen. There is a good deal of debate on the use of sodium benzoate as a food additive because of its ability to form benzene. http://www.sciencepunk.com/2007/05/e211-dna-and-science-by-press-release/
Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
Used to control the growth of yeasts and molds. This is a very common ingredient in many food items.
Acesulfame Potassium
FDA approved for use as an artificial sweetener.
Sucralose
Best known as Splenda, it is another artificial sweetener. Sucralose is still a very controversial artificial sweetener. Its not too difficult to find people warning about the use of Sucralose in food products.
Sites warning people of the potential toxic effects of Sucralose:
http://www.holisticmed.com/splenda/bowen.html
http://www.holisticmed.com/splenda/chemists.html
http://www.rense.com/general65/splend.htm
http://tuberose.com/Sucralose.html
Ester Gum
Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food products. This is a very common ingredient in soft drinks.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
This is an Asian ginseng root, and listed in the NOS “ Energy Blend” which contains 50mg of ginseng extract. Ginseng is usually taken as a supplement for its inflammatory properties. Some suggest that Ginseng can also reduce stress, improve overall energy levels, and even fight Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Calcium Disodium salt of EDTA (Protects Freshness)
Used in soft drinks containing ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate to mitigate the formation of benzene.
http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/40abcj09.htm
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
See http://www.geekhealth.org/post/2010/01/27/B-Vitamins-and-Weight-Loss.aspx
Yellow #5
This is known by the chemical name Tartrazine and is a highly debated food additive. Some medical studies have shown the ingestion of this chemical and contribute to irritability and restlessness as well as hyperactivity.
Yellow #6
Like Yellow #5 and most other food coloring additives in general, there is a good deal of debate on the health impact of ingesting Yellow #6. A good article to check out on the potential problems with Yellow #6 and other additives can be found here.
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
See http://www.geekhealth.org/post/2010/01/27/B-Vitamins-and-Weight-Loss.aspx
B Vitamins and Weight Loss
Ever hear someone tell you to take B vitamins to gain energy and lose weight? Why do energy drinks seem to add B vitamins to their mix? What exactly is a B vitamin, and what is its role in health and weight loss?
What are B Vitamins
There are eight essential vitamins in the B-complex group : B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cyanocobalamin), B5(pantothenic acid) and biotin. These are all water-soluble vitamins and have a proven impact in cellular metabolism. The B-complex group once was simply called Vitamin B, but research has shown that each vitamin is chemically distinct thus the number following the B vitamins.
B-Complex Group in detail
B1 (Thiamine) : Required for proper metabolism of starches and sugars. Helps the body provide energy to the body. It also has a positive impact on the nervous system, heart and muscle function.
B2 (Riboflavin) : Promotes normal thyroid function and metabolism. Assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino and fatty acids. Some state that B2 and B6 work better if taken together.
B3 (Niacin) : Helps maintain skin and nerves and assists in food metabolism. Essential for normal thyroid hormone production. Some believe that Niacin is a powerful detoxifying agent and take large doses to accomplish this. Niacin can cause you to turn red and increase your heartbeat, this is generally referred to as a ?Niacin Flush? or ?Niacin Rush?.
B5 (pantothenic acid) : Critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
B6 (Pyridoxine) : also known as pyridoxamine and pyridoxal phosphate, helps the body produce healthy red blood cell and is a vital ingredient in the metabolism of amino acids, which build protein.
B9 (Folic Acid) : Also known as Folate. Essential to numerous bodily functions such as the synthesis of DNA, DNA repair and the formation of red blood cells. There is a link between folic acid and neural tube defects, one of the most common birth defects. Women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant need to monitor their diet to make sure they are consuming enough B9.
B12 (cyanocobalamin) : Necessary for normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and the formation of blood. it is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, and used in DNA synthesis/regulation and fatty acid synthesis and energy production.
Biotin : Biotin is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. Biotin not only assists in various metabolic reactions, but also helps to transfer carbon dioxide. Biotin is also helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level.
Weight Loss
After seeing what the body uses B vitamins for, its easy to see that to assist weight loss you should ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of B vitamins daily.
The Master Cleanse
The Master Cleanse is the name of a cleansing fast created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. Since then, thousands have tried it and many have found it to be a helpful way of losing weight and getting your body to a healthier place.
What is it?
At its most basic, The Master Cleanse is simply a liquid diet with a minimal daily calorie intake. Stanley Burroughs actually described it as a detoxifying diet, one that removes toxins and built up wastes from the body. Your daily food consists of only one thing, and that is a simple “Lemonade” made from fresh lemons, maple syrup and purified water. Aside from the lemonade, the only other things you ingest are copious amounts of fresh water, and a daily “flush” that is little more than a salt water laxative.
The Master Cleanse usually lasts anywhere from three to ten days, with most proponents suggesting that optimal health is only reached by going for at least the ten day mark.
How does it work?
1) You stop ingesting solid foods, many state this allows your digestive system to “relax” and allows your body to focus on eliminating toxins.
2) You cleanse your body, especially the intestines of long built up wastes. Since you are no longer pushing sold foods through your insides, the daily flushes should in theory help break up and flush out any waste material you have in your gut. This is also assisted by the mucus membrane stimulating effect of capsaicin found in the lemonade.
3) Many of the people that stick to a diet plan such as the Master Cleanse, report that it helps them gain some level of mental clarity and at once the fasting period is over, and that it is easier to focus on a healthier diet and lifestyle.
How do I do it?
Many suggest that you start off your cleanse with a day or two “ease-in” period and finish up with a day or two “ease-out” period.
Ease-in
Easing into the Master Cleanse usually consists of slowing moving from solid foods to more liquid based foods, and ending with a day of juice (usually Orange) so that you become more adjusted to daily regimen.
Ease-out
The Ease out step is generally the reverse of the ease-in period. You slowly reintroduce solid foods into your diet, starting with a day where you only take in juices and other clear liquids. Most people seem to suggest a two to three day ease out period.
The Lemonade Diet (3 – 10+ days)
The Master Cleanse is very simple, mainly because you are limited to a single food source, which is simple lemonade. This is the source of all of your daily calories, vitamins and nutrients:
The Lemonade Diet (Daily Mixture)
60 ounces of filtered water
12 Tablespoons of organic grade B maple syrup
12 Tablespoons of organic lemon juice
1/2 Teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
In addition to the lemonade, once per day you also mix up a laxative which is simply an indigestible salt water drink. You drink the flush all at one time, and usually within one to three hours, experience one or more “eliminations”. (NOTE: Once you drink the flush, do your best to remain near a bathroom until you know the flush is mostly out of your system, the urge to eliminate can come on very quickly)
The Salt Water Flush (SWF)
1 quart of lukewarm or room temperature water
2 level teaspoons of sea salt
Additional Information:
You can visit our forum here, where I have documented my week long adventure with The Master Cleanse. There are also many online resources for information on the Master Cleanse, one such site is The Master Cleanser, which has a good online forum that offers support and guidance.
Asperger’s Syndrome (Geek Syndrome)
Asperger’s Syndrome
What is it?
Asperger syndrome is classified as an autism spectrum disorder, but is milder than what most call autism. Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior starting in early childhood. The name Asperger Syndrome derives it name from Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician who described the condition in 1944.
What are the signs or characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome?
Those with Asperger’s Syndrome exhibit a wide variety of characteristics, ranging in severity from mild to severe. Usually those with Asperger’s Syndrome have marked deficiencies in social skills, and find it hard to read common socal cues such as body language.
Diagnostic Criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome
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marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
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failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
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a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
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lack of social or emotional reciprocity
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encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
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apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
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stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
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persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
Asperger’s and IQ
By definition those with Asperger’s Syndrome have normal to high IQ. This is a clinical definition and some dispute this, saying that the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome should not be withheld from people testing below average on IQ tests.
Geeks and Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome has been called Geek Syndrome by wired.com and others. The correlation between the common traits exhibited by “Geek’s” and those with Asperger’s are numerous. Most people classified as geeks by others, are usually socially awkward and focus in on topics most people find unimportant or uninteresting. They find themselves more comfortable with machines than people, and find it difficult to operate in a large social gatherings.
How can I tell if I have Asperger’s Syndrome
First and foremost, lets be clear : if you think you have Asperger’s Syndrome you need to seek the help and/or advice from a trained professional. Beyond that there are many online tests that can help give indications of Asperger’s.
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PiePalace.ca offers this test.
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Wired.com AQ test can be found here.
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rdos.net aspie-quiz found here.
I have or may have Asperger’s Syndrome, where can I go for help?
There are many online communities that focus on Asperger’s Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders. People at these places understand how hard it can be at times to live with these conditions or live with someone who has them.
Caffeine : The worlds most popular legal drug?
Caffeine
What is it?
Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid with a mildly bitter taste. It is most commonly used in food and beverage products because of its stimulant effect.
Caffeine is easily the worlds most popular and most consumed psychoactive substance.
Common dietary sources
Almost everyone should be aware that coffee and tea contain caffeine, and in recent years there has been a surge of “energy drinks” to hit store shelves. Caffeine is found in coffee beans and the leaves of tea plants, as well as in cocoa. It is also found in Yerba mate, and Guarana plants. Some foods will use the terms mateine or guaranine in place of caffeine to try and give the appearance of a more natural source of caffeine.
Geeks & Caffeine
There has been a long standing link between “Geeks” and caffeine, particularly the consumption of caffeinated drinks and snacks. While not every self styled geek consumes massive quantities of caffeine, many find caffeine to help them out in certain situations. Software developers might run long hours and seek an energy boost and gamers are always seeking an extra edge against the competition. Sometimes the small effects of caffeine just seem to hit the spot.
Where do Geeks go for Caffeine?
What are the dangers of Caffeine?
Overuse of caffeine can cause caffeine dependency, a situation like any other drug where the body becomes dependant on the existence of caffeine to operate or feel like its operating normally. Conditions including anxiety, muscle twitching, insomnia, headaches, heart palpitations and general nervousness can be arise.
In acute overdose conditions (those usually in excess of 300mg at one time) the body can enter a state of central nervous system overstimulation called caffeine intoxication(“the jitters”).
Amounts that exceed 150mg to 200mg per kilogram of body mass can lead to death. This would equal roughly 80 to 100 cups of coffee for an average adult. While this amount would be hard to achieve though the consumption of beverages, even energy drinks, caffeine pills need to be taken as recommended to be used safely, as an accidental overdose of pills would not be difficult.
What about non-caffeinated energy drinks
One energy drink that has received good reviews is e10 Energy Drink
Water
Water
Names for water
- H2O
- oxidane
- dihydrogen monoxide
- hydrogen hydroxide
What is Water?
Water is a chemical formed when two hydrogen atoms combine with a single oxygen atom. (H2O)
Where do we get water from?
It is estimated that there are nearly 326 million trillion gallons of water on the earth. Ninety-eight percent of the water of earth is in the oceans, and thus undrinkable because of its salt content. Nearly two percent of the earths water is fresh, although 1.6 percent is frozen on the polar caps and glaciers. 0.36 percent is deep underground in aquifers and wells. About 0.036 percent of fresh water is readily accessible from lakes/rivers. The rest of the earths water is found in the air being contained in clouds or vapor, as well as the water content found within plants and animals.
Health benefits of water
The human body is made up of nearly half to two-thirds water. Women average slightly lower than men. Simply put the body can not function without proper water intake, it assists in digestion, and nutrient transportation. It helps eliminate wastes and even helps in the lubrication of joints. Water is used by the body to help regulate temperature as well as helping to regulate metabolism. Water is also used to moisten the body, especially in the ear, nose and throat tissues.
Water also plays a large role in weight management:
- Those who do not drink enough water will actually find their bodies retain more water.
- Water assists excretion of waste from bowel and kidneys. If you don’t drink enough water you get constipated and put your kidneys under stress.
- Water can help suppress appetite.
- Water ensures nutrients are delivered throughout the body.
How much water do I need a day?
There are many suggested values for daily water intake, for men they range from 1.5 liters a day to 3 liters a day, women need slightly less ranging from 1.5 to 2.2 liters. Some suggested methods are :
- Fluid Replacement. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids.
- Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.
- 8 x 8 rule (eight 8-ounce glasses). Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Activities that augment water needs
The following activates require you to increase your daily water intake:
- Exercise
- Exposure to hot or humid environments
- Illness
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
Can I drink too much water?
Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as Hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia is an abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood. When your blood sodium is extremely low, the bodies cells start malfunctioning causing swelling. Drinking too much water at one time can cause acute hyponatremia. Acute hyponatremia is serious condition that can cause rapid brain swelling which can cause adverse conditions such as coma or even death. Acute hyponatremia can be avoided in many situations by replacing water with drinks that have an electrolyte content. These drinks might be better suited for consumption during strenuous events such as marathons or extended exercise routines.