Natural Health Products

What are the best brain foods and dietary supplements that can help sharpen your powers of concentration - even enhance your memory, attention span and brain function?

There’s increasing evidence to suggest you can maintain a healthy brain by adding ‘smart’ foods and beverages to your diet.

For instance, caffeine is a popular stimulant that energizes your brain and helps you to focus and concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you an unmistakable buzz - although its effects only last a short while. Not only that, overdoing caffeine can make you jittery and uncomfortable.

Glucose metabolized from sugars and carbs in your diet is your brain's preferred fuel source - which is why a glass of something sweet can stimulate memory, thought processes and mental ability. But go easy on the sugar so it doesn’t pack on the pounds.

Studies show that eating breakfast regularly instead of skipping it improves short-term memory and attention - especially if it contains high-fiber whole grains, dairy and fruits.

Fish is a great protein source that’s also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain function and development. Higher levels of dietary omega 3 fatty acids are linked to lower dementia and stroke risks, a slower rate of mental decline and enhanced memory, especially with age. To boost both brain and heart health, consume two servings of fish weekly.

Nuts and seeds are great sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, believed to slow down age-related cognitive decline. Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties and contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which boost concentration. Up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate will easily give you all the mental benefits you need without excess calories, fat or sugar.

A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and reduce risk of plaque buildup - while also enhancing blood flow to the brain. Whole grains also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Not only that, the fat in avocados is the good monounsaturated fat that contributes to healthy blood flow.

Research in animals shows that blueberries protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats.

Lack of essential nutrients can decrease your ability to concentrate. Similarly, eating too much or too little can also interfere with your ability to focus. To fully benefit your brain, always consume a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy, wholesome foods.

While initial reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene and magnesium are promising, supplements are really only useful to people whose diet is lacking in specific nutrients. In this respect, health experts are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral and herb combinations.

To boost your powers of concentration, start your day with a meal of 100% fruit juice, whole-grain bread or bagel with salmon and a cup of coffee.

Along with eating a well-balanced meal, experts also suggest the following brain-boosting tips:

• Getting a good night's sleep;
• Staying well hydrated;
• Exercising regularly to sharpen thinking processes;
• Meditation for clear thinking and relaxed productivity.

Source:

Did you know you can easily lose weight - along with boosting your skin, liver, kidney, heart and brain health - simply by adding a few spices to your food?

Regular use of these three flavorful spices in your diet will boost your overall health, along with melting away excess pounds around your waist.

TURMERIC

Turmeric is the bright yellow spice that both flavors and gives its color to most south Asian curries. Made from the root of the plant curcuma longa, it has been used in traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurveda (‘The Science of Life’) for centuries. Extracts of curcuma longa are routinely used to treat dyspepsia, liver disease, flatulence, urinary tract disease, to purify the blood and directly on the skin for many ailments.

Turmeric is the highest source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that protects the liver from free radical damage. Turmeric also helps the body metabolize fats by reducing fat storage in liver cells. 

Recently curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric and its chemical derivatives, the curcuminoids, have been shown to have powerful healing properties in the brain - with tremendous implications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Experts believe that age-related diseases of the brain are triggered by waste products of oxidative damage and inflammation. Curcumin reverses the actions of these waste products, making it a highly promising anti-aging candidate.

GARLIC

Garlic is a miracle food. It contains the compound allicin which acts against bacterial infections, along with reducing unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Garlic also contains the powerful antioxidants C and E, and the mineral selenium.

Not only that, garlic lowers levels of the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and raise levels of the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol in the short term. It keeps LDL cholesterol in blood from oxidizing and damaging the lining of blood vessels, which is the first step in the formation of plaque leading to heart disease. It may also dissolve clots that lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Garlic kills many bacteria, fungi and yeast. Further, animal studies show that garlic slows progression of colon, lung and esophageal cancers.

CINNAMON

Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture showed that one-quarter To 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with food helps to metabolize sugar up to an astonishing 20 times better than without cinnamon.  Excess sugar in the blood leads to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fat storage.  By balancing blood sugar levels, cinnamon keeps mood and energy levels stable.

It’s very easy to get all these health benefits in your life - simply start adding a quarter teaspoon of turmeric and a clove or two of fresh garlic to vegetable dishes, soups, stir-fries, stews and curries. Similarly, along with sweet foods and desserts, small amounts of cinnamon can also be used in savory Asian-inspired foods like curries, stir-fries and stews. 

One out of very two people struggles with weight, need some help? Check out these dietary supplements that can assist you with your weight management goals.

Sources:

Three Spices for Health and Weight Loss.

1. Get plenty of essential fatty acids.  Among the nutrients that our bodies need for good health are essential fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid (of the Omega 3 family) and linoleic acid of the Omega 6 family.  These essential fats also help to promote youthful skin and can be obtained through supplementation or through diet.  Alpha-linolenic acid can be found in flaxseed, canola oil, wheat germ and soybeans, and vegetable oils and grass-fed beef are good sources of linoleic acid.

The benefits of EFAs to the body are many, but they are of particular importance to body cells as they are a fundamental component of cell membranes. A steady supply of EFAs in the diet is necessary to maintain healthy-looking skin because skin cells are regularly reproduced.

2. Look into HGH supplement products.  A 1990 medical study published by Dr. Daniel Rudman in the New England Journal of Medicine reported exciting results from the injection of synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) in men over 60 years old. These included an increase in muscle mass, decreased body fat, elevated energy levels, improved sleep and enhanced skin and muscle tone. This synthetic, injection therapy is very expensive, but today there are several natural, non-prescription HGH supplement products on the market (called releasers) that stimulate release of the body’s own human growth hormone by the pituitary gland.

3. Eat plenty of whole, organic fruits and vegetables.  When waging war against the effects of time, there are anti-aging fruits and vegetables that actually work. They help to hydrate the body and provide fiber and important disease-fighting antioxidants.  Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, bananas are loaded with potassium and berries contain a host of vital anti-oxidants.  Green, leafy vegetables like spinach, leaf lettuce and kale are loaded with nutrients, and broccoli, carrots and cucumbers provide fiber and a good, crunchy texture!

4. Discover the importance of water for healthy aging.  Drink at least 64 ounces of pure, filtered or spring water throughout the day.  When aging skin is not properly hydrated, it loses resilience and becomes more susceptible to wrinkling. Water fights wrinkles by keeping skin moist and supple and helps to deliver essential nutrients to skin cells.

5. Try glucosamine supplements to retain moisture in aging skin.  Research by the Department of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School studied the effects of N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide on in-vitro human skin cultures and on women aged 35-60 in clinical trials with fine-to-moderate wrinkles. The research found that the two compounds accelerated the production of hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient in skin hydration and in the formation of collagen.

The tests also showed that in human subjects, improved hydration brought about by glucosamine and niacinamide led to a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles of tested subjects, particularly in the area around the eyes.  The researchers concluded that together these compounds could be a highly effective anti-aging treatment.

These tips are but a few of the many new, natural anti-aging practices coming to light. For many who are approaching the golden years, there is still a lot of living to do. 

Are you adopting a few of these natural habits to promote healthy and graceful aging?

Sources:

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 323, July 5, 1990, Number 1:   EFFECTS OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE IN MEN OVER 60 YEARS OLD, Daniel Rudman, M. D.

http://www.consumerproductsreview.org/hgh-supplement.aspx

http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Formulation-Science/Research-suggests-glucosamine-is-an-effective-anti-aging-treatment

Dietary folic acid supplementation is known to dramatically reduce incidence of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, sometimes by as much as 70 percent. Scientists and other health experts still don’t fully understand how folic acid does this, or why it doesn’t eliminate birth defects in all pregnancies.

Folic acid was originally discovered at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin in the 1940s. Ever since the discovery of its role in the prevention of birth defects, all enriched cereal grain products in the US were enriched with folic acid to ensure that women of childbearing age get enough of this vitamin.

Now, scientists from the College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin have found that mutation of a key folic acid enzyme causes neural tube defects in mice, the clearest link seen so far between folic acid and birth defects.

The mice used in this study lacked a gene for a folic acid enzyme which cells need to produce a compound called formate, which embryos need for normal development. It seems folic acid prevents birth defects by ensuring that enough formate is made in the developing embryo. This may also explain the 30 percent of neural tube defects that can’t be prevented by folic acid supplementation.

Interestingly, humans share the same gene for the folic acid enzyme with all mammals - indeed, point mutations in this gene are known to increase the risk of birth defects.

Now the research team at UT Austin is going to use the same breed of mouse to start looking for nutrients that could potentially be delivered to pregnant mothers to prevent neural tube defects that can’t be prevented by folic acid supplementation.

A future goal would be to screen women for the gene that produces the folic acid enzyme. If they’re found to be deficient, their chances for developing embryos free of neural tube defects could be increased via nutrient supplementation.

Sources:

Mutation in key enzyme in key folic acid metabolism causes birth defects.

Can eating healthy green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli be good for your bones? A recent multi-University study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests this might indeed be the case.

Fractures in healthy bones are caused when the force of a fall or some other impact on your bones physically deforms the bonded bone proteins osteopontin and osteocalcin. Such an impact creates tiny ‘nanoscale holes’ within the bone's mineral structure, each measuring about 500 atoms in diameter.

These holes are called dilatational bands and function as a natural defense mechanism, preventing further damage to the surrounding bone structure. If the force of the impact is too great - or if the bone doesn’t have enough osteopontin, osteocalcin or both - it will fracture.

The little understood protein osteocalcin is present in all animal bones. Abnormalities in ostoecalcin production have recently been associated with Type 2 diabetes as well as problems in reproductive health.

This study is the first to show that osteocalcin is of great structural and mechanical importance to bone structure, giving it the ability to resist fracture. Therefore, strengthening the bond between osteocalcin and osteopontin should strengthen bone as well.

Boosting your body's natural supply of osteocalcin should help to treat osteoporosis and other conditions leading to increased fracture risk. Osteocalcin must be in its carboxylated form to get absorbed into bone - and vitamin K is responsible for carboxylating osteocalcin.

Currently, all therapies for treating osteoporosis is related to calcium and its metabolism in bone. The results of this new study raise the important question as to whether boosting vitamin K levels to promote carboxylation of osteocalcin can strengthen brittle bones.

Given that leafy green vegetables are the best natural source of vitamin K, perhaps it’s time to add more of them to your daily diet to help your bones stay strong and healthy?

Sources:

Green leafy vegetables may be good for your bones.

Did you know that spirulina - a single-celled, blue-green alga that has been thriving on Earth since the beginning of life itself - was considered a superfood by ancient Mayans and Aztecs?

Spirulina is very low on the food chain, which means it’s a pure food. Its green color is derived from chlorophyll, which allows it to convert sunshine to protein, fatty acids, carbohydrates and many other nutrients essential for life.

Its blue color comes from a pigment called phycocyanin, shown to increase bone marrow stem cell and anti-cancer natural killer (NK) cell production.

Spirulina contains nearly 70% protein, which is made up of all the essential amino acids plus 10 more. This means spirulina is an excellent protein resource that helps your body build muscle, bone, strength and endurance. Because spirulina is typically consumed raw, it doesn’t lose its protein content, which is absorbed four times faster by your body than animal proteins.

Spirulina is a very pure food that provides more than 100 nutrients, including as much iron as red meat, vitamin E, zinc, B vitamins, copper, calcium, sulfur and magnesium. It is also a rich source of vitamin A in the form of the antioxidant beta-carotene.

Studies show that regular consumption of spirulina provides many health benefits. For instance, a two-month study carried out at the National Obesity Centre of Cameroon on HIV-infected patients showed that spirulina improves their insulin sensitivity, lowering their future risk of developing type II diabetes. HIV-infected patients typically develop abnormalities in glucose metabolism, both because of the infection and also the antiretroviral treatment.

In this particular study, 17 insulin-resistant HIV-infected patients were given 19 grams of spirulina daily. Their physical activity and diet did not change over the study duration. After eight weeks, insulin sensitivity improved in every one of these patients - while increasing overall by over 200% in the entire group.

And that’s not all spirulina can do. It also stimulates stem cell growth, especially in the brain; has known virus-fighting properties; fights inflammation and arthritis; and also favorably affects lipid profiles, immune variables and antioxidant capacity, all of which are great ways to boost overall health.

If you’d like to benefit from the amazing healing powers of spirulina, you can get it in supplement form, either as pills or powder. It’s easy to add powdered spirulina to your morning smoothie. You can also mix it with guacamole or blend it into salad dressing.

Sources:

Spirulina improves insulin sensitivity in HIV patients.

This year we’re hearing alarming stories in the news about West Nile Virus, which has been reported in a greater numbers in North America than ever before. As of September 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 2,636 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 118 deaths, have been reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these, 1,405 (53%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 1,231 (47%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

Why the record numbers? According to the authors of a commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine, the dramatic increase in WNV cases could be due to "the interplay of heat, drought, human habitats, increased mosquito populations and enhanced viral development that all act in concert to increase the force of transmission."

Additionally, experts suspect that a new strain of the disease may be emerging and that the “reservoir of infection” in birds may be growing. They write, "A mosquito-prevention message must be unrelenting, directed at personal protective behaviors (avoidance, repellents, and clothing) and reduction of breeding sites.”

Summer is the peak season of mosquito activity, but in many parts of the U.S. mosquito season continues through fall, or until the first frost.

According to the CDC, the easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. This you can do by using insect repellent. Their highest recommendation is for those products containing DEET.

If you prefer to use non-chemical repellents, here are some products to try:

• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
• Citronella Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Geranium Oil

It’s important to remember that, while these products are considered “natural,” they are not necessarily safe for everyone. Don’t apply to children under 3 without first consulting his or her health practitioner. And you should test the substance on your skin first to avoid any possible allergic reactions.

Risk Factors

People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick, and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

Keep in mind that the more time you're outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.

Other ways to prevent mosquito bites:

• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.

What is your preferred strategy to avoid mosquito bites?

Sources:
Science Daily
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Did you know that Roman gladiators once consumed barley grass for health and stamina?

We may not be facing hordes of weapon-wielding savages in the coliseum every morning, but some days it sure feels that way! So why not fortify yourself with this ancient superfood for daily energy, vitality and anti-aging antioxidant power?

Barley grass may be the first cereal grass cultivated by humans. Its medicinal and food use dates back to 7,000 B.C. It is mentioned in the Bible and in ancient Roman chronicles as an important dietary staple.

The juice of barley grass provides essential beta carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, pantothenic acid, and folic acid. Minerals include potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. Other constituents are chlorophyll, amino acids, protein, fiber, and enzymes. Vegetarians can sometimes become deficient in Vitamin B12 or cobalamin; this can be avoided by supplementing with dehydrated barley grass juice.

Barley leaf extract has potent antioxidant properties; that is, they have been shown to scavenge damaging free radicals in the body. Free radicals are known to accelerate the effects of aging. Clinical studies in humans and animals have demonstrated this antioxidant effect. Preliminary animal and clinical data also have shown a cholesterol-lowering effect. Other health benefits attributed to barley grass include detoxification of the body, increased energy and improved immune support.

Barley grass is widely available. You can grow your own from seed, and add the grass to juices or green smoothies. It can be purchased in capsule or powder form; the typical dose is 15 mg daily. There are no known side effects. However, persons with celiac disease should avoid barley grass (along with wheat and rye products).

Barley grass has shown promising results in preliminary studies done on its ability to inhibit certain cancer cell growths, including breast and prostate cancer. Cancer patients have reported healing benefits as a result of consuming barley grass along with adopting changes in lifestyle. However, further studies are needed to support these claims.

Have you experienced the health benefits of barley grass?

Sources:
Natural News
Drugs.com

The hair, nails and skin are the body’s protection against damaging effects of harsh environmental elements – the sun’s ultraviolet rays, heat, cold, dirt, and abrasive surfaces. Together, they present your physical self to the world, which is why most of us want to keep them in good working order and healthy, vibrant appearance.

Here is a list of daily habits that will keep your skin, nails and hair glowing and prevent signs of premature aging, from the nation’s top dermatologists:

1. Don’t smoke – It’s certainly bad for your insides, but it’s also terrible for your outsides. Smoking causes deep wrinkles around the mouth and dulls the appearance of skin. Studies suggest that tobacco smoke exposure decreases capillary and arteriolar blood flow, damaging connective tissues that help maintain healthy skin. There is also evidence that tobacco smoke is phototoxic: It becomes more toxic in the presence of ultraviolet light (UV), and causes more damage to skin cells than either smoke or UV would cause on their own.
2. Wear sunscreen – Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday on your face and exposed areas. It should have a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 (30 for the face).  Anyone over the age of 6 months should use a sunscreen daily, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Even those who work inside are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day, especially if they work near windows, which generally filter out UVB (the rays that cause sunburn) but not UVA rays.
3. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, K and antioxidants – Colorful veggies and fruits are your skin’s best friends. They will give your skin a healthy glow, and help to strengthen hair and nails.
4.  Do as little as possible to the hair – You may think that coloring, perming, hot-curling, etc., will improve your appearance, but in the long run it will lead to breakage and cause the hair to lose its natural luster.
5.  Use soap sparingly – Many dermatologists advise avoiding soap unless you are a teenager or have excessively oily skin. The exception is for certain parts of the body – use a mild soap to clean face, underarms, and groin area. For the rest of your body, pure water will do the job.
6. Avoid tanning – Whether it’s under the sun or a tanning lamp, this practice will expose the skin to harmful UV rays that can bring on premature aging, uneven complexion, age spots or even skin cancer.
7. Use moisturizer and lip balm – They help to trap water in the skin and protect against drying, scaling and cracking. Wind, cold temperatures and heated houses in the winter can all dehydrate the skin, which can cause eczema to flare up and make the skin itchy and dry. Prevention of this dryness by moisturizing is the single most important factor in protecting the skin from the elements.
8. Use skin products with care – Avoid any products that sting or burn unless directed by your dermatologist. Use as directed and avoid applying too much, which can clog pores. And test products, even those labeled hypoallergenic. Dab a small amount on your inner forearm and check for a reaction before applying to larger areas. Don’t use too many different products at once, especially the “anti-aging” remedies. This can irritate the skin.

What is your favorite anti-aging tip for the care of skin, hair and nails?

Sources:
Dermatologists' Tips to Reduce the Signs of Aging, Science Daily
Dermatologists Share Their Secrets For Maintaining Healthy Skin, Hair And Nails, Science Daily
About Sunscreen, Skin Cancer Foundation
5 Myths and Truths About Moisturizers, Best Health

The energy drink craze is not going away any time soon, as you can see from the bulging cooler cases at your local convenience store. Prepackaged drinks with turbo-charged brand names come in all sizes and flavors, including those tiny bottles displayed in neat formation near the cash registers designed to catch the attention of bleary-eyed commuters, hungover frat boys, exhausted truck drivers and anxious students trudging to early morning exams.

Perhaps the well-crafted labels bristling with shooting flames, lightning bolts, screaming rockets and monster imagery could be a tipoff that these drinks – while possibly effective in the short term – are not the healthiest thing on the planet to be feeding your body? (Plus, a lot of them taste awful.)

Some consumers, particularly young people, may think they’re getting a good deal when they pay $3 for a 16-oz. can of dragon’s breath flames, but they’re being ripped off. What they’re getting is a few cents worth of sugar, caffeine and water in a cool-looking package.

Want to create healthy, delicious power drinks at home, using a few simple ingredients with time-tested effectiveness for feeding the body’s energy needs? Some ingredients to keep on hand:

• Bananas – nourishes your nervous system with potassium,
• Figs, dates and raisins – contain natural sugars to boost energy.
• Honey – nourishes digestion and boosts energy.
• Bee pollen – contains essential fatty acids and amino acids and stimulates production of sexual hormones.
• Ginseng – boosts energy and brain power and improves digestion.
• Carrot juice – cleanses and  nourishes the body and improves blood quality which helps relieve fatigue.
• Egg yolk – stimulates sluggish, exhausted adrenal glands.
• Spirulina – a super-nutritious vegetable protein.
• Soy milk – a high-quality vegetable protein alternative for cow's milk.

You can whip up nutritious, delicious energy drinks in just a couple of minutes. Toss some ingredients into a blender, pour into a carrying cup and you’re off to tackle your busy day!

Banana & Fig Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana; 3 or 4 figs; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 cup water

Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix till smooth. Add a heaped teaspoon of bee pollen powder (or equivalent in capsules) for an extra boost. Dates or raisins can be substituted for figs.

Honey & Bee Pollen Drink

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon honey; 1 heaped teaspoon bee pollen powder; 1 cup warm water

Put ingredients in a large glass, add water, then mix with a spoon. Add ginseng extract for an extra energy boost.

Egg Yolk & Carrot Juice

Ingredients: 1 large cup of freshly extracted carrot juice; 1 egg yolk

Add the egg yolk to the carrot juice then mix well with a fork. Add 1/2 a teaspoon of spirulina powder for an extra boost.

Soy Milk, Egg Yolk & Honey Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 cup natural soy milk (unsweetened, unflavored); 1 egg yolk; 1 tablespoon honey

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix till smooth

Carrot, Apple, Egg Yolk & Honey Smoothie

Ingredients: One carrot (finely diced); half an apple (finely diced); 1 cup natural soy milk (unsweetened, unflavored); 1 egg yolk; 1 tablespoon honey; ginseng extract (3-9 grams, liquid or granulated form).

Put ingredients in a blender and mix till smooth.

Do you have a favorite healthy, natural energy drink? Share with us!

Sources:

Boston.com: Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?
WebMD: Energy Drinks – Bad for the Teeth?
Chinese Holistic Health: Natural Energy Drinks

Natural Health Product Fennel, the deliciously exotic and fragrant spice that delights your senses in Indian food and in many breath-freshening preparations is just full of surprises. Did you know that there is strong scientific evidence that this sweet, tasty plant contains compounds that can improve your eyesight naturally and help prevent vision loss on a couple of different fronts? Feast your eyes on this:

In 2008, researchers at the Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research determined that fennel may reduce eye pressure (high ocular pressure is the hallmark of glaucoma, a disease that can cause blindness). For this study*, researchers induced high ocular pressures in rabbits. They evaluated the effects of fennel seed extract on reducing these pressures. They ultimately concluded that fennel did have a beneficial effect on the pressure. This is compelling information, but the Glaucoma Research Foundation does not currently recognize fennel (or any other food) as beneficial to patients with glaucoma. Further evaluation is required in order to establish whether the benefit seen in rabbits is also seen in humans.

A more recent study**, led by researchers from the Department of Biochemistry at the Shivaji University in India strongly suggests that a compound in the fennel seed may prevent diabetic retinopathy (which is responsible for vision loss in diabetics). The researchers isolated a compound from fennel called trans-anethole. Trans-anethole blocks the conversion of sugar to sorbitol in the blood. How does this help the eyes? When blood sugar gets too high, as is often does in diabetics, the excess sugar is converted to sorbitol. Too much sorbitol trapped in the cells of the retina leads to retinopathy, cataracts, and eventually blindness. 

*http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18831355

If you suffer from occasional digestive upsets – and who doesn’t? – do you reach for the contents of your medicine cabinet? If so, you may be doing more harm than good.

The best way to eliminate digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, excessive gas, or bloating, is to prevent them from happening in the first place. This we can do by drinking lots of water; eating smaller, more frequent meals; avoiding sugary sweets and drinks (the body has trouble processing sugar overloads); and making sure to replenish the “good” bacteria of the gut with probiotics (either in foods or a daily supplement).

In fact, many medications – both over-the-counter and prescription – can ramp up digestive problems. And ironically, some of the drugs we look to for digestive relief can be the worst offenders. Here are some medications to avoid when you are experiencing digestive upset:

1. Antacids – The powerful acid blockers on the market today are effective at reducing stomach acid. The problem is, you need that acid to help digest and absorb the nutrients in food. And you also need it to destroy bad bacteria that invade your system. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, Oct. 4, 2007) found that people who took antacids had four times more pneumonia, because they didn’t have enough stomach acid to protect them against bacteria and viruses.
2. Laxatives – These may seem to work at first, but there are two downsides: Many people experience irritation of the bowel as a result of the harsh ingredients in most products, and the relief is temporary which can lead to dependence.
3. NSAIDS and aspirin – These can upset and even damage your intestinal lining.
4. Antibiotics – There’s no question that antibiotics can be necessary and effective at destroying harmful bacteria, but they also kill off the friendly flora that live in your digestive tract. Antibiotics encourage the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, which can damage the lining of the small intestine and lead to digestive problems.
5. Other drugs – Some medications tend to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to back up into the esophagus. These include antihistamines, beta-2 agonists for asthma, calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, nitrates for angina, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Most of us know our bodies well enough to predict which foods cause the most trouble internally. In general, it is best to avoid the worst offenders like trans fats, processed meats, sodas, and low-fiber foods such as white bread and pasta). Many people are lactose intolerant and need to avoid dairy products, which can bring on painful bloating and gas. Other common food allergies include soy, peanuts, eggs and wheat. The best way to test for food sensitivities is to eliminate the suspected foods completely from your diet for several weeks and then add them back in. Keep a daily food journal while you are doing this.

Try incorporating foods that promote good digestion into your daily diet. These include: yogurt or kefir, sweet potato, winter squash, banana, apples, berries, whole grains, sauerkraut, peas, beets, and celery.

What’s your favorite natural remedy for digestive upset?

Read More:
EverydayHealth.com: Digestive Health

Red wine is a rich source of an antioxidant called resveratrol. Over the past decade, there has been a great deal of research into the benefits of this compound, and results have consistently suggested that resveratrol is beneficial against numerous degenerative conditions. Most recently, a genetics professor at Harvard Medical School, David Sinclair sought to better understand resveratrol’s therapeutic mechanism.

Over the past several years, Sinclair, along with his colleague Leonard Guarente at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have published numerous papers demonstrating how resveratrol improves energy production and overall health in cells by activating a class of genes called sirtuins that are essential to mitochondrial function. The cell’s power supplier, mitochondria are essential not just for longevity but for overall health.

In his most recent study*, which was recently published in the journal Cell Metabolism,  Sinclair sought to prove resveratrol’s action in a mouse model (mice are the most biologically similar to humans in the laboratory setting). In the past, he was able to demonstrate that in yeast, worms and flies, when the sirtuin gene is completely eliminated, cells do not respond to resveratrol. But mice, unfortunately, die at birth without sirtuin gene. To overcome this obstacle, Sinclair and his colleagues spent several years engineering mice who would survive without the sirtuin gene.

The results were quite clear! When mice were given low doses of resveratrol after the sirtuin gene (SIRT1) was disabled, the researchers found no discernible improvement in mitochondrial function. In contrast, the mice with normal SIRT1 function given resveratrol showed dramatic increases in energy.

While some scientists are skeptical about the resveratrol/sirtuin/mitochondria (and therefore health and longevity) connection, Sinclair believes that this study demonstrates the connection as clearly as is possible.

Resveratrol is abundant in red wine and in fruits such as grapes and açai. It is also available in health food stores as a nutritional supplement.

*http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(12)00143-X

For many years, scientists have tried to explain disparity in cancer survival rates between white Americans and African Americans. Possible explanations have included factors such as cancer stage at time of diagnosis, socioeconomic status and differences in treatment. But recently, scientists have turned their attention to the role of vitamin D, or specifically, lower levels of the vitamin and its association with poorer prognosis.

In a recent review* William B. Grant of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center in San Francisco and Alan N. Peiris of Mountain Home Veterans Administration Medical Center and East Tennessee State University looked at 17 different studies concerning the association between vitamin D adequacy or deficiency and cancer recurrence and survival. The researchers found significant associations between higher vitamin D levels and cancer survival in studies that analyzed all cancers as well as those that evaluated breast, colon, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers, and lymphocytic leukemia/chronic lymphocytic lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

They also reviewed 37 studies that examined cancer mortality rate disparities that could not be explained by known factors for 25 types of cancer occurring among African Americans and Caucasian-Americans. They found statistically-significant disparities in survival rates for 13 types of cancer: bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, lung (non-small cell, stage III, IV), ovarian (advanced), pancreatic, prostate, rectal, testicular, vaginal cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, stage II, and melanoma. The researchers report that all cancers for which a disparity in cancer-specific survival was reported also show evidence that vitamin D plays a beneficial role in survival.

So why do African Americans have lower vitamin D levels? It has to do with darker pigmentation impairing the production of vitamin D from sunlight. Because the body produces vitamin D from sun exposure and because the darker pigmentation impairs production of the vitamin from sunlight, African-Americans will naturally produce less of it.

Drs. Grant and Peiris believe that the results of their review suggest that if their conclusions are correct, programs to increase serum vitamin D concentrations among African Americans could reduce the cancer disparities.

source: *http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/dermatoendocrinology/article/19667/?show_full_text=true

Curcumin is the deliciously warm, earthy spice that gives Indian curry its distinct flavor. It is also the ingredient that gives curry and mustard their bright, yellow color. It also has incredible healing powers, according to one Dr. Chawnshang Chang, Ph.D., director of the George Whipple Laboratory for Cancer Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Dr. Chang is one of many researchers around the world investigating the potential health benefits of compounds related to curcumin. Two dozen patents, dating, back to 2004, have been issued to the University for Chang’s work with these compounds. Patents related to curcumin have also been issued in China, Europe, New Zealand, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia, as well as the United States.

This latest patent focuses on the potential for curcumin compounds to fight prostate, bladder, liver and other forms of cancer related to male hormones, as well as other androgen-related conditions like acne, baldness, enlarged prostate, and excessive growth of body hair. Those conditions and others involve the androgen receptor, which is best known as the molecule through which the hormone testosterone acts in both men and women.

So how do curcumin compounds help these conditions? Chang recalls as a child growing up in China that ginger, a family of spices that includes curcumin was widely used as a folk remedy for male-pattern baldness. He later became an expert on the androgen receptor. Today he and other scientists have shown that compounds related to curcumin exert powerful healing effects through this receptor.

Chang is developing curcumin related-molecules known as “androgen receptor degradation enhancers” that would degrade the androgen receptor. He hopes to develop compounds that treat conditions like prostate cancer and acne more effectively, with fewer side effects, than current therapies.

You probably heard that heart disease is the Number One killer of Americans. And you may think you understand what causes it. But what if you’re wrong?

Most of us associate heart disease with having a heart attack. And this is certainly one of the most common types of heart disease, known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CAD is caused by a narrowing or “hardening” of the arteries, which can result in a heart attack.

Here’s a common myth about Coronary Artery Disease:

Narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis) is caused by eating too many eggs, too much red meat, dairy products, and bacon – foods with high cholesterol that clog the arteries.

Now for the myth-busting:

Eating eggs does not lead to heart disease, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School. Their research, published in 2004 in the Journal of the American Medical Association and since then supported by other clinical studies, found no connection between egg consumption and heart disease.

According to integrative health expert Dr. Andrew Weil, most recent research indicates that the real cause of CAD is damage to the arterial lining. The arterial lining may be injured by an excess of free radicals from lifestyle factors such as smoking, or environmental sources such as pollution, radiation, pesticides, plastics, household cleaning agents, lawn chemicals, etc.

Another cause of arterial damage may be the natural amino acid homocysteine. Excessive levels of homocysteine can accumulate in the blood when a person is deficient in Vitamin B6 and folic acid.

High levels of sugar in the blood also may cause arterial lining damage by pushing down the good (HDL) cholesterol and raising triglycerides. The artery-clogging plaque resulting from high cholesterol and triglycerides set the stage for a heart attack.

Consumption of too much salt leads to high blood pressure, stressing the arteries beyond normal limits.

Inflammation from arthritis, viruses, infection or other causes may also lead to damage of the arterial lining. This damage results in a natural repair process of patching that builds up calcium and cholesterol deposits.

Excessive (lifestyle-induced) stress and the resulting high levels of stress hormones, can wreak havoc with the entire body and, over time, cause injury to the arterial lining.

Heart disease researcher Malcolm Kendrick, M.D., has cited the following as the factors most damaging to the artery walls:

• High blood sugar levels.
• High levels of insulin.
• High levels of cortisol and other stress hormones.
• High levels of triglycerides.
• High levels of homocysteine.
• A lack of certain vitamins and nutrients including Coenzyme Q-10, magnesium and chromium.

What lesson can we take away from this? Common sense would indicate that eating excessive amounts of red meat, eggs and bacon isn’t a good idea, health-wise. But simply avoiding these foods doesn’t guarantee heart health. Many factors contribute to the damage to arterial lining that leads to Coronary Artery Disease, so the wise course would be to look at all of your lifestyle and environmental risks and make smart, health-promoting changes where they are needed.

Do you have a daily regimen for prevention of heart disease?

Sources:
Drweil.com: Coronary Artery Disease
Spacedoc.com: Malcolm Kendrick Looks at Cholesterol
MedlinePlus: Coronary Artery Disease

Apple cider vinegar is one of those ancient foods which is experiencing a huge wave of popularity due to its purported natural health benefits. In fact, there is strong evidence that some of these health benefits are very real. Others … not so much. In any case, there is no doubt apple cider vinegar is a worthwhile product to keep on hand in the kitchen (and maybe also the bathroom) cabinet.

Vinegar is a fermented food that is a concentrated little package of amino acids, vitamins and mineral salts. It has a long tradition of use as a folk remedy, said to accomplish wonders that range from soothing jellyfish stings to curing cancer.  Apple cider vinegar is the result of apples being fermented into hard cider, than a second fermentation process is added. It is this two-step process which is believed to create the extra acids and enzymes responsible for the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. 

Some recent studies have shown some intriguing medical uses for apple cider vinegar. They include:

• Weight loss: The enzymes in vinegar can help detoxify the body, give you a natural energy boost, and help you feel full when dieting.
• Blood glucose: Several studies have shown vinegar can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Cholesterol: Animal studies have indicated vinegar could help lower blood cholesterol levels.
• Blood pressure: Observational studies show that people who regularly eat vinegar on salads tend to have lower blood pressure.
• Cancer: There is some evidence that vinegar can slow the growth of cancer cells.

These studies are promising, but preliminary. Meanwhile, apple cider vinegar may be a great addition to your diet, but it’s probably not advisable to invest it with “magic bullet” properties.

Most of us have consumed apple cider vinegar as a flavoring on salads. As a daily health regimen, you’ll need more than a few drops from a cruet. Many people take a couple of teaspoons daily, mixed with water. You can also buy supplements, usually in the form of 285mg tablets. Be careful to drink water with it to avoid acid erosion of the esophagus and stomach.

If you have diabetes, you should check with your doctor before incorporating apple cider vinegar into your health routine. It contains chromium, which has the potential to interfere with insulin regulation.

Here are some of the most common household uses for apple cider vinegar:

• It has disinfectant properties and so can be useful as a cleaning agent.
• It can soothe sunburn. Mix a few cups into a warm bath.
• Some people swear it helps clear the complexion. It can set the pH level of the face in balance, while its antiseptic properties help kill the bacteria that leads to acne.
• Rinsing your mouth with it will help whiten teeth. Don’t go overboard, however. Any acidic substance can weaken tooth enamel when overused.
• Adds a shine to your hair when used as a rinse after shampooing.

What is your favorite use for apple cider vinegar?

Sources:
WebMD: Apple Cider Vinegar
Natural Society: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the lactose sugar that comes from dairy products. When lactose intolerant individuals consume milk or milk products, they often feel gassy, bloated and the need to run to the restroom. It is estimated that in the United States, 15% of Caucasians over 50% of Mexican Americans and over 80% of African Americans suffer from lactose intolerance.

What causes lactose intolerance?

Normally, your stomach lining produces an enzyme called lactase which is used to break down lactose, the major sugar in milk. When we are babies, our lactase levels are highest but as we grow older, they get less and less. The less they are, the likely you are to suffer from lactose intolerance. When you drink milk or eat milk products and you don’t produce enough lactase, the lactose is not broken down into absorbable form (sugar, glucose and galactose). The milk passes through your stomach and through to your small intestine undigested, causing bloating, cramps, nausea and diarrhea.

If I am lactose intolerant, do I just have to avoid milk products?

While many people feel this is the best solution, giving up an entire food group is a pretty drastic measure, particularly when dairy products are so important for bone growth in children and bone density in adults. Fortunately, several studies suggest that supplementing the diet with certain probiotics is a safe and effective route to keeping the symptoms under control.

Probiotics, specifically certain strains of lactobacillus acidophilus, work by adhering to the intestinal lining and releasing lactase enzyme needed to digest dairy products.

A 1995 study* whose results were published in The Journal of Dairy Science showed that lactose-intolerant children who drank milk treated with probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus showed a significant reduction in symptoms.

A 1999 review** of hundreds of studies on the health benefits of probiotics found, among other things, that a certain strain of lactobacillus acidophilus has demonstrated consistent positive results against the symptoms of lactose intolerance. The author of this review states: “To date, its probiotic effects have been demonstrated in humans as reducing problems associated with lactose intolerance and as reducing levels of free amines in the intestine, thereby decreasing the risk of colon cancer. These properties make this strain of potential value in several patient populations.”

 SOURCES:

*http://www.mendeley.com/research/effect-milks-inoculated-lactobacillus-acidophilus-yogurt-starter-culture-lactosemaldigesting-children/

**http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC99697/

If you’re taking probiotics to improve your digestive health, current research suggests you’re not just helping your gut—you’re doing your entire body a favor! And if you’re not taking probiotics, you might want to consider starting. Read on to find out why!

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast in a person's digestive tract. These microorganisms are “friendly” (beneficial to the host). Among many benefits, they help degrade toxic and allergenic substances in the intestine and colon. Probiotics occur naturally in certain foods like yogurt and cottage cheese. They are also available as nutritional supplements which can be purchased in health food stores. 

How do probiotics help my whole body?

These tiny organisms can do some pretty amazing things! To name just a few:

They help you absorb nutrients. The friendly bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus helps with the absorption of the B vitamins and vitamin K, along with fatty acids and minerals such as calcium.

They improve immune function. Beneficial bacteria have a critical and powerful effect on your gut’s immune system and your systemic immune system. They also aid in the production of antibodies to pathogens.

A study* published in the journal Pediatrics in 2009 looked at the potential benefits of probiotics in children during cold and flu season. According to the authors, “Daily dietary probiotic supplementation for 6 months was a safe effective way to reduce fever, rhinorrhea, and cough incidence and duration and antibiotic prescription incidence, as well as the number of missed school days attributable to illness, for children 3 to 5 years of age.”

They have a systemic, anti-inflammatory effect. While mechanism behind this benefit is not fully understood, recent studies strongly suggest that the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus works against inflammation. One such study** looked at biological markers for inflammation in patients taking the probiotics and those take a placebo. The researchers concluded “…probiotic bacteria have strain-specific anti-inflammatory effects in healthy adults.”

Another study*** from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, looked at the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in infants with eczema, an inflammatory skin condition. The researchers concluded that infants receiving this probiotic had a significantly reduced risk of eczema symptoms.

Sources:

*http://www.umm.edu/pediatrics/residents/journal-club/probioticscolds.pdf

**http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?orig_db=PubMed&db=pubmed&cmd=Search&term=%22World%20journal%20of%20gastroenterology%20%3A%20WJG%22%5BJour%5D%20AND%202029%5Bpage%5D%20AND%202008%5Bpdat%5D

***http://www.umm.edu/pediatrics/residents/journal-club/Wickens%20Lactobacillus%20rhamnosus%20JACI%202008.pdf

Dealing with dental cavities is no fun. In addition to hours of time spent in the dental chair, treatment and filling of cavities can be costly, putting a huge dent in the family budget.

The Natural Society recommends these steps you can take that will go a long way toward preventing cavities. Of course, it goes without saying that a daily regimen of brushing and flossing is your first line of defense.

• Consume foods rich in alkaline. Alkaline is responsible for making the bones strong and healthy. Thus, alkalizing your body with foods can help prevent the formation of cavities. Foods that are rich in alkaline include fruits and vegetables. (a nutritional supplement containing Vitamin D and calcium can help support bone health, too.)
• Balance acidity levels. Being too acidic can result in an unbalanced pH level in the body, which will lead the body to lose calcium. Calcium is essential to helping keep the bones healthy. Avoid eating too much acidic or sugary foods, as they set the acidity of the body off-balance.
• Eat raw vegetables. Cooking vegetables makes them lose their cell-building nutrients, which will result in getting lower levels of essential nutrients. Eat your vegetables raw once in a while to maximize the nutrients you can receive.
• Use tea tree oil. Incorporating tea tree oil into the oral products you use on your teeth is very beneficial. Tea tree can actually protect the teeth from bacteria growth, so cavities would not build up.
• Drink more water. Water is needed to produce saliva. Saliva is very important because it protects oral health. It contains important mucus and enzymes which help cover the teeth. Without saliva, the body cannot easily break down the food, and also will not be able to help balance out the acidity levels of the mouth.
• Get a few minutes of sun exposure daily. The link between adequate Vitamin D levels and increased cavity prevention is long established, with documentation as far back as the Civil War demonstrating the positive effect of natural sunlight exposure on dental health. Another interesting fact is that Vitamin D also attacks oral bacteria, due to the production of a polypeptide known as cathelicidin, which is made in addition to vitamin D by your body in response to direct sunlight.

Have a dental health tip to share with us?