CURRENT HEALTH NEWS
Biomedical aspects of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate availability.
2012 Jan 1;4:897-913
di Salvo ML, Safo MK, Contestabile R.
Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche, A. Rossi Fanelli and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Universita di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy.
Abstract
The biologically active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), is a cofactor in over 160 enzyme activities involved in a number of metabolic pathways, including neurotransmitter synthesis and degradation. In humans, PLP is recycled from food and from degraded PLP-dependent enzymes in a salvage pathway requiring the action of pyridoxal kinase, pyridoxine 5'-phosphate oxidase and phosphatases. Once pyridoxal 5'-phosphate is made, it is targeted to the dozens different apoenzymes that need it as a cofactor. The regulation of the salvage pathway and the mechanism of addition of PLP to the apoenzymes are poorly understood and represent a very challenging research field. Severe neurological disorders, such as convulsions and epileptic encephalopathy, result from a reduced availability of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in the cell, due to inborn errors in the enzymes of the salvage pathway or other metabolisms and to interactions of drugs with PLP or pyridoxal kinase. Multifactorial neurological pathologies, such as autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy have also been correlated to inadequate intracellular levels of PLP.
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Curcumin and its Formulations: Potential Anti-Cancer Agents.
Zhu HL, Ji JL, Huang XF.
Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2011 Oct 25.
Abstract
Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2011 Oct 25.
Curcumin, one of the most studied chemopreventive agents, is a natural compound extracted from Curcuma longa L. Extensive research over the last half century has revealed that curcumin can inhibit the proliferation of various tumor cells in culture, prevent carcinogen induced cancers in rodents and inhibit the growth of human tumors in xenotransplant or orthotransplant animal models. Several phase I and phase II clinical trials indicated that curcumin is quite safe and may exhibit therapeutic efficacy. The utility of curcumin is limited by its lack of water solubility and relatively low in vivo bioavailability. Multiple approaches including nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and phospholipid complexes are being sought to overcome these limitations. This review describes the general properties of curcumin and its potential effect against cancer including evidences of its antitumor action in vitro, in vivo, clinically and the strategies to overcome its low bioavailability.
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Natural coffee compound can prevent Alzheimer`s disease progression
by John Phillip(NaturalNews) Researchers publishing in the Journal of Alzheimer`s Disease have discovered that a natural chemical compound found in coffee combines with caffeine to create a protective shield against the development and progression of Alzheimer`s disease. Blood levels of a protective protein complex known as GCSF, short for granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, are stimulated by coffee consumption and are shown to thwart disease progress. Health-conscious individuals will want to consider drinking several cups of java each day to dramatically lower the risk of developing Alzheimer`s disease and to preserve precious memories that can be stolen as the disease progresses.
Researchers used mice that are genetically altered to develop Alzheimer`s disease to demonstrate naturally occurring compounds in coffee are able to fight off the disease process. Prior studies confirm that caffeine alone does not protect against the memory-robbing condition, yet observational studies in humans reported that daily coffee/caffeine intake during mid-life decreases the risk of Alzheimer`s disease.
The study demonstrated that caffeine consumption is an important part of the protective nature of coffee, but another yet unidentified chemical is required to maximize the effect. No protection against Alzheimer`s disease was found with consumption of decaffeinated coffee. Lead study author, neuroscientist Dr. Chuanhai Cao commented, "Caffeinated coffee provides a natural increase in blood GCSF levels".
Mice that were fed a regular diet of caffeinated coffee (equivalent to 4 or 5 cups of coffee each day) showed a significant increase in GCSF compared to control animals fed decaffeinated coffee or water only. Dr. Cao found: "The exact way that this occurs is not understood. There is a synergistic interaction between caffeine and some mystery component of coffee that provides this beneficial increase in blood GCSF levels."
The study authors identified three critical ways that increased levels of the protective protein GCSF improve memory performance. GCSF encourages stem cells from the bone marrow to enter the brain and remove harmful beta-amyloid clusters that are the hallmark of disease progression. Further, GCSF helps to create new connections between brain cells and increases the number of new neurons in the brain. Any natural compound that promotes the release of this protein complex will protect against the development of Alzheimer`s disease.
Caffeinated coffee consumption is safe for the vast majority of adults. The study authors concluded: "We see no reason why an inherently natural product such as coffee cannot be more beneficial and safer than medications, especially to protect against a disease that takes decades to become apparent after it starts in the brain." Five cups of coffee each day may provide a protective shield against this devastating form of dementia.
[Editor`s Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]
Article References:
http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNew...
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art...
http://www.j-alz.com/issues/25/vol2...
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Olive oil consumption, plasma oleic acid, and stroke incidence: The Three-City Study.
SourceFrom the Research Center INSERM, U897, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology (C. Samieri, C.F., P.B.-G.), Bordeaux; Research Center INSERM, U897, Department of Biostatistics (C.P.-L.), Bordeaux; University Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2 (C. Samieri, C.F., C.P.-L., P.B.-G.), ISPED, Bordeaux; INSERM (E.P.), U876, Bordeaux; CHU de Bordeaux (E.P.), Hôpital Saint-André, Department of Biochemistry, Bordeaux; INSERM (C.T.), U708, Neuroepidemiology Unit, University Pierre et Marie Curie Paris VI, Paris; Department of Neurology (C.T., C. Stapf), Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris; University Diderot Paris VII (C. Stapf), Paris; INSERM (C.B.), U1061, University Montpellier 1, Montpellier; and CHU Montpellier (C.B.), CMRR Languedoc Roussillon, Montpellier, France.
AbstractOBJECTIVE:
To determine whether high olive oil consumption, and high plasma oleic acid as an indirect biological marker of olive oil intake, are associated with lower incidence of stroke in older subjects.
METHODS:
Among participants from the Three-City Study with no history of stroke at baseline, we examined the association between olive oil consumption (main sample, n = 7,625) or plasma oleic acid (secondary sample, n = 1,245) and incidence of stroke (median follow-up 5.25 years), ascertained according to a diagnosis validated by an expert committee.
RESULTS:
In the main sample, 148 incident strokes occurred. After adjustment for sociodemographic and dietary variables, physical activity, body mass index, and risk factors for stroke, a lower incidence for stroke with higher olive oil use was observed (p for trend = 0.02). Compared to those who never used olive oil, those with intensive use had a 41% (95% confidence interval 6%-63%, p = 0.03) lower risk of stroke. In the secondary sample, 27 incident strokes occurred. After full adjustment, higher plasma oleic acid was associated with lower stroke incidence (p for trend = 0.03). Compared to those in the first tertile, participants in the third tertile of plasma oleic acid had a 73% (95% confidence interval 10%-92%, p = 0.03) reduction of stroke risk.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results suggest a protective role for high olive oil consumption on the risk of stroke in older subjects.
Neurology. 2011 Jun 15. [Epub ahead of print]
Olive oil consumption, plasma oleic acid, and stroke incidence: The Three-City Study.
Samieri C, Féart C, Proust-Lima C, Peuchant E, Tzourio C, Stapf C, Berr C, Barberger-Gateau P.
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Omega-3 fats hold the key to curing depression in the elderly
by John Phillip(NaturalNews) Omega-3 fats are part of our nutritional heritage and are shown to play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of debilitating conditions such as clinical depression throughout all phases of life and especially in the elderly. Neural cellular walls are largely constructed of Omega-3 fats, specifically the DHA long-chain component that determines how nutrients transport across cell membranes, electrical conductivity and the activity of critical neurotransmitters in cellular communications. Results published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging demonstrate that daily supplementation with Omega-3 fats may significantly suppress the symptoms of depression among elderly women.
The study found that depressed women that supplemented with 2.5 grams of Omega-3 fats daily experienced significant reductions in their symptoms. In an important finding, the scientists conducting the study found that the long chain fat was responsible for dramatic improvements in future outlook, self-esteem and quality of life. Researchers commented "This [quality of life] observation has never been achieved before and it appears of great value from the clinical point of view, due to the importance of these aspects in the elderly population."
One of the most common medications prescribed to adults, and especially the elderly, is in the anti-depressant classification. Anti-depressants cause a long list of side effects including blurred vision, weight gain, headache, anxiety and sleep disruption. Many of these effects lead to a lowered quality of life and actually worsen the condition being treated. Multiple studies have determined that Omega-3 supplementation cuts depression ratings by 50%, without the devastating side effects of prescription drugs.
A body of research published in the journal Nature Neuroscience pinpoints the critical nature of Omega-3 fats during maternal nurturing and early childhood development. Due to the rapid decline of these essential fats from the diet over the course of the past century, clinical depression cases have exploded as the balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fats far exceeds the optimal 1:1 ratio. Researchers determined that insufficient Omega-3 fats in circulation led to disturbed neuronal communications that play a strategic role in neurotransmissions. The dietary fat imbalance influenced emotional behavior and increased anxiety, and it was the primary cause of depression.
The low fat diet so often prescribed by medical professionals and nutrition experts has caused a critical deficiency of healthy fats necessary for the development of the human brain from infancy to adulthood. In addition to the extensive library of research showing the effectiveness of Omega-3 fats in cardiovascular health and cognition, new evidence documents the need for this essential nutrient through all stages of life to improve self-esteem and to prevent depression. Health-minded people will want to supplement with 2.5 grams of combined EPA/DHA to naturally protect against behavior disorders and depression. Article References:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...
http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal...
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Use sage for everyday brain health
by Kim Evans(NaturalNews) Sage is a wonderful herb that can add flavor to soups, salad dressings and juices. The herb also has anti-inflammatory and powerful memory enhancing qualities. In trials, even small amounts of sage have been shown to significantly boost memory recall. It's also been known since 2003 that the root of the Danshen or Chinese sage contains compounds that are very similar to the drugs used to treat Alzheimer's disease, which makes it a safer alternative. The herb has also been used for over 1,000 years to treat other brain related problems. Sage has even been found to improve the interconnectivity of the different parts of the brain, which should be important for everyone, with Alzheimer's or not.
One of sage's anti-oxidants, carnosic acid, can even cross the blood brain barrier to halt free radical damage in the brain. The same anti-oxidant increases our own production of glutathione, an important anti-aging anti-oxidant - which improves circulation to the brain by dilating the cerebral middle arteries. Glutathione is actually used to treat all sorts of brain diseases, from autism to Alzheimer's. Having good blood flow to the brain is important, and low blood flow to the brain can acerbate, and even cause, other problems of the brain.
Sage also has anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties. Plus, it's high in iron and has been found to effectively relieve mild to moderate anxiety states. In addition, in a 2010 analysis of over 3100 foods, sage had one of the highest anti-oxidant contents.
Sage has a wonderful savory flavor and it's a wonderful addition to lentil and other homemade soups, including many raw blended soups. If you make your own salad dressings using olive oil, lemon and sea salt as a base, adding fresh sage and tomato is wonderful too. Sage leaves can also be added to fresh juices and they are particularly delicious in tomato juices. Just run your tomatoes through your juicer with the leaves. Sage tea is also common and is made by seeping some leaves in boiling water and adding a natural or herbal sweetener, like stevia.
Of course, with brain and other problems, it's important to remember that common toxins are almost always at the root of the problem, and so while herbs are definitely helpful, detoxification is too. And with any disease, why wait until you're suffering to take action? It's easy to start adding all sorts of fresh herbs to your diet regularly, and as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
More:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?...
http://www.medicinal-herbs-and-spic...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-ma...
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Prevent age-related diseases by consuming high levels of vitamins and minerals
by Jonathan Benson(NaturalNews) Most people who live in developed nations like the United States assume they get plenty of the necessary vitamins and minerals as part of their normal diets, and that they do not need to take vitamin supplements. But a new study published online in the FASEB Journal suggests otherwise, explaining that even moderate nutrient deficiencies, which afflict many unwitting individuals, are responsible for causing age-related diseases including cancer and heart disease.
For the study, Dr. Joyce C. McCann, co-author from the Nutrition and Metabolism Center at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute in California, and her team evaluated certain nutrient-dependent proteins to see how the body managed related nutrient deficiencies. Upon conducting tests using selenium as an example, the team discovered that the human body is innately able to protect nutrient-dependent proteins as its first priority, while protecting all others secondly.
However, the team also observed that even moderate deficiencies, which end up affecting both non- and nutrient-dependent proteins, lead to mutations indicative of diseases like cancer, lowered immunity, loss of brain function, and heart disease. For this reason, they say it is necessary to supplement with extra vitamins and minerals in order to offset disease development.
"Understanding how best to define and measure optimum nutrition will make the application of new technologies to allow each person to optimize their own nutrition a much more realistic possibility than it is today," said McCann. "If the principles of the theory, as demonstrated for vitamin K and selenium, can be generalized to other vitamins and minerals, this may provide the foundation needed."
Though these results may seem obvious to many in the natural health community, they help solidify the need for vitamin and mineral supplements among the general population who, for years, has been fed conflicting ideas about supplements. Thanks to this new study, the average person is now reassured that taking high-quality multivitamins made from whole-food nutrients will be beneficial in maintaining health and preventing disease.
"This paper should settle any debate about the importance of taking a good, complete, multivitamin every day," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal. "As this report shows, taking a multivitamin that contains selenium is a good way to prevent deficiencies that, over time, can cause harm in ways that we are just beginning to understand."
Sources for this story include:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea...
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E-Cat Cold fusion device independently validated producing 800% more energy than input
by Neev M. Arnell(NaturalNews) Initially met with skepticism due to claims that it works on cold fusion technology, the energy catalyzer has been validated producing 2.6 kilowatts from an input of 300 watts by Swedish technology magazine NyTeknik (http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/ener...). The technology, which was granted a patent in April, is expected to be on the market this fall. (http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/ener...)
Inventors Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi announced the "E-CAT" in January claiming they had created a reactor that produces massive amounts of energy by fusing nickel and hydrogen nuclei at room temperature.
If the invention proves genuine, it would be one of the greatest scientific achievements of all time and would beat out oil for position as king of energy resources (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news...). It could provide nearly limitless cheap energy with no radioactive byproduct or massive carbon emissions. The inventors say, scaled for commercial use, their process could generate eight units of output per unit of input and would cost roughly one penny per kilowatt-hour, drastically cheaper than a coal plant (http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011...).
Skepticism has abounded so far, and expectedly so, since every past claim of cold fusion turned out to be false. Rossi and Focardi's failure to provide details on how the process works has not helped their case nor has the fact that they cannot account for how the cold fusion is triggered. (http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011...).
But the inventors do have something going for them. They have demonstrated the device publicly numerous times and their claims are looking more credible as more tests validate them. Video and reports of physicists who were present confirmed that electricity was produced.
The latest tests on the energy catalyzer by NyTeknik took place in Bologna on April 19 and 28. The test, as with previous tests, aimed to measure the net energy that the device generates as accurately as possible. The results of the tests from both dates showed a developed net power of between 2.3 and 2.6 kilowatts with and input electric power of 300 watts. (http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/ener...)
To date no one has been able to give a detailed explanation of the measured values that NyTeknik now has been able to confirm. But tests by Professor Sven Kullander and Associate Professor Hanno Essen in March found that the measured values can only be explained by a nuclear reaction.
Yet another endorsement of the device came this week as the inventors signed on with a partner firm, Ampenergo--a company formed in 2009 with connections to the U.S. Department of Energy, to assist in the proliferation of the E-Cat technology. (http://freeenergytruth.blogspot.com/)
Rossi is planning an installation of 300 energy catalyzers at a total of one megawatt for his U.S. customer in Greece in October 2011. The one-megawatt plant will be using the catalyzers for profit and not for demonstration. (http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physi...). On his website, Rossi said that a U.S. plant in October is not impossible. (http://www.e-catworld.com/2011/05/1...)
Rossi's website also said that the Universities of Uppsala and Bologna will have E-Cats on which they can test "in any way they want."
Sources for this article include:
http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/ener...
http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/ener...
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011...
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news...
http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physi...
http://www.e-catworld.com/2011/05/1...
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Man cured of AIDS after receiving stem cell transplant
by Jonathan Benson, staff writer(NaturalNews) In what many in the mainstream media and medical community have now dubbed their first known case of cured AIDS, Timothy Ray Brown's miraculous healing from the deadly syndrome is sending shock waves throughout the world. After receiving a bone marrow stem cell transplant back in 2007, Brown inherited a genetic immunity from those stem cells that cured him of not only AIDS, but also leukemia.
Dubbed "The Berlin Patient," Brown first tested positive for HIV back in 1995. And for years, he unsuccessfuly battled the disease using conventional methods. But when doctors decided to give him a stem cell transplant, everything changed.
"I quit taking my HIV medication the day that I got the transplant and haven't had to take any since," said Brown to reporters from CBS 5 in San Francisco. "I'm cured of HIV. I had HIV, but I don't anymore."
According to reports, roughly one percent of Caucasians have a natural immunity to HIV and AIDS, and the stem cells Brown received came from someone within this rare one percent. As a result, the white blood cells created in his body via the injected stem cells ended up giving him that same immunity.
Brown's doctors, as well as various other experts and scientific journals, have all confirmed that Brown has been cured of both his AIDS and his leukemia. And Dr. Judy Auerbach from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation told CBS reporters that "things have shifted" in terms of using the word "cure" in reference to AIDS, which is breathing new hope into those hopeful for a cure themselves.
However, despite the numerous references in the media to Brown being the first person ever to have been cured of AIDS, there have actually been many others who have successfully defeated the syndrome through immune support -- but these cases, of course, have been ignored by the mainstream medical and scientific community. In fact, a healthy immune system is the true key to both resisting HIV infection, and successfully reversing it (http://www.naturalnews.com/027354_A...).
In the documentary House of Numbers, filmmaker Brent Leung reveals the controversy surrounding the official explanation of HIV and AIDS, and he interviews numerous experts -- including one of the co-discoverers of the disease, Dr. Luc Montagnier -- who explain the true nature of HIV and AIDS, and how it can be cured
(http://www.naturalnews.com/027355_A...).
Sources for this story include:
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/20...
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Compact fluorescent bulbs release cancer-causing chemicals when turned on, says new research
by Sharon Stone, PhD(NaturalNews) Are you one of the many who, in the effort to be eco-friendly and to save money, replaced your old incandescent light bulbs with environmentally-friendly compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) energy saving light bulbs? If so, beware. A new study conducted by conducted by Peter Braun at Berlin Germany's Alab Laboratory found these light bulbs contain poisonous carcinogens that could cause cancer. These include:
Phenol, a mildly acidic toxic white crystalline solid, obtained from coal tar and used in chemical manufacture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenol).
Naphthalene, a volatile white crystalline compound, produced by the distillation of coal tar, used in mothballs and as a raw material for chemical manufacture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naphth...).
Styrene, an unsaturated liquid hydrocarbon, obtained as a petroleum byproduct(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrene).
The German scientists involved caution to keep these light bulbs "as far away as possible from the human environment." If used, they advise that you use the bulbs sparingly, in areas with good ventilation, and "definitely not in the proximity of the head," as the bulbs generate electrical smog, impacting human health.
The new German study supports similarly disturbing findings of Abraham Haim, a professor of biology at Haifa University in Israel, who found that the light emitted by CFLs increased the likelihood of women getting breast cancer by disrupting the body's production of the hormone melatonin.
What a dilemma for Americans. Following a 2007 bill signed into law by President George W. Bush, the US government will ban the sale of 100 watt traditional incandescent light bulbs and replace them with toxic CFLs by January 1, 2012, followed by the 75-watt version in Jan. 2013, and the 60- and 40-watt bulbs in Jan. 2014. This will follow on the heels of the Europeans who began to phase out incandescent bulbs in 2009 and by 2016 the EU also plans to ban halogen bulbs, forcing people to use compact fluorescents.
This legislation pits the lawmakers against environmental groups that strongly back the new standards," states USA Today news (http://www.usatoday.com/news/washin...), "which require manufacturers to produce bulbs that use 25% to 30% less energy than standard incandescents, starting Jan. 1."
That CFLs are harmful is not new information. It is well known that they contain toxic mercury, a neurotoxin that can damage the brain, liver, kidneys and central nervous system. The bulbs are marketed as "safe" as long as the glass remains intact. The danger comes, reports FoxNews (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/...), if the bulbs are cracked, broken or not disposed of properly causing the toxic dust to spread into the air. Just one fluorescent light bulb contains enough mercury to contaminate 6,000 gallons of water and in humans to impair motor functioning, cognitive ability and emotional stability.
Moreover, the "dirty energy" emitted by CFLs produces radiation that has been linked with migraine headaches, sleep abnormalities, fatigue, and other health defects while the flickering of fluorescent bulbs causes dizziness, headaches, weakness and illness in some sensitive people.
Sources for this article include:r http://www.prisonplanet.com/damning...p
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Coffee slashes risk of the most lethal type of prostate cancer
by S. L. Baker, features writer(NaturalNews) Imagine this scenario: drug company researchers make an amazing discovery. It's a remarkable therapy that's easy to take, has few serious side effects and reduces the risk of a man developing any kind of prostate cancer. Most importantly, it dramatically lowers the odds a man will ever have the most serious, deadly form of the disease.
Can you fathom the enormous money-making possibilities of such a discovery for Big Pharma? Can anyone even predict how many millions of prescriptions would quickly be written for men who would be willing to pay any price to prevent prostate cancer?
In breaking research news, it turns out that scientists actually have found a substance that appears to prevent prostate cancer, especially the most lethal variety, by a whopping 60 percent. But fortunately for men -- and unfortunately for Big Pharma -- the cancer preventative isn't a drug. It's a natural plant-based drink: plain old coffee.
That's right. The results of a large, new study show that men who regularly drank coffee had a lower risk of developing any prostate cancer, especially the kind most likely to kill. The new research, conducted by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) scientists, was just published in the online edition of the Journal of of the National Cancer Institute.
Of course, if you drink too much caffeinated coffee, you can feel anxious, jittery, have difficulty falling asleep at night and even have heart palpitations. And should you abuse java by gulping down cup after cup of the stuff to keep working or playing when your body needs a rest, you might end up exhausting your adrenal glands, too.
But in moderation, coffee is not only safe for most people but may be beneficial. For example, scientists have found there is something in this ancient and natural drink that may protect against a host of ills, including Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, liver cancer and cirrhosis. As NaturalNews recently reported, research shows drinking coffee may also help protect women from breast cancer.
The Harvard scientists decided to study coffee because it contains natural compounds that are known to act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and regulate insulin --- and all of these health benefits are believed to play a role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
Earlier research has already provided evidence coffee could play a role in prostate cancer prevention. However, only a few studies have specifically looked at the association between coffee intake and the risk of lethal prostate cancer, the form of the disease that is the most critical to prevent because it spreads to the bones and causes death.
"Our study is the largest to date to examine whether coffee could lower the risk of lethal prostate cancer," said senior author Lorelei Mucci, associate professor of epidemiology at HSPH, in a statement to the media.
The research team investigated the association between regularly drinking coffee and the risk of prostate cancer, especially the risk for aggressive, lethal prostate cancer, in 47,911 U.S. men who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. The research volunteers reported their coffee consumption every four years from 1986 to 2008. During that time, 5,035 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, including 642 fatal or metastatic cases.
The HSPH study concluded that the men who drank the most java (six or more cups each day) had a 20 percent lower risk of developing any form of prostate cancer when compared to non-coffee drinkers. What's more, it didn't appear to matter if the coffee was decaffeinated or regular.
Just drinking one to three cups of coffee daily lowered the risk of the deadly form of disease by 30 percent. And men who drank the most coffee saw their risk of lethal prostate cancer plummet by 60 percent.
The Harvard researchers are currently planning additional studies to understand more about the health benefits of coffee. They want to zero in on the specific mechanisms by which coffee provides such a huge reduction in the risk of the deadliest form of metastatic prostate cancer.
For more information:
http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cont...
http://www.naturalnews.com/025737_c...
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Breast cancer breakthrough - Parsley and other plant products halt tumor growth
by Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor(NaturalNews) (NaturalNews) Did you ever use parsley simply to decorate some food -- and then toss the herb aside? You might want to reconsider that and make sure you actually eat the parsley. That's because groundbreaking new research shows parsley and certain other plant products, including fruits and nuts, contain a natural substance that can stop certain breast cancer tumor cells from multiplying and growing.
In a new study just published in Cancer Prevention Research, Salman Hyder, the Zalk Endowed Professor in Tumor Angiogenesis and professor of biomedical sciences in the University of Missouri-Columbia's College of Veterinary Medicine and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, gave apigenin (a common compound found in parsley and other plant products) to rats with a particular type of breast cancer.
The animals exposed to the apigenin developed far less tumors and also experienced significant delays in tumor development compared to those rats that were not given apigenin. Dr. Hyder stated this new finding could potentially impact women who are taking certain hormone replacement therapies.
"Six to 10 million women in the United States receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT)," Dr. Hyder said in a media statement. "We know that certain synthetic hormones used in HRT accelerate breast tumor development. In our study, we exposed the rats to one of the chemicals used in the most common HRTs received in the United States -- a progestin called medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) -- which also happens to be the same synthetic hormone that accelerates breast tumor development."
MPA is especially dangerous because when breast tumor cells develop in response to it, these malignancies spur new blood vessels to form within tumors. The blood vessels then provide nutrients for the tumors, causing them to grow and spread.
Dr. Hyder discovered that apigenin, which is most prevalent in parsley and celery, but is also in apples, oranges, nuts and other plant products, blocked new blood vessel formation. So it slowed and sometimes totally stopped the development of tumors. Moreover, the natural compound reduced the overall number of tumors even though it didn't stop the initial formation of breast cancer cells.
"We don't have specific dosage for humans yet," Dr. Hyder explained in the media statement. "However, it appears that keeping a minimal level of apigenin in the bloodstream is important to delay the onset of breast cancer that progresses in response to progestins such as MPA. It's probably a good idea to eat a little parsley and some fruit every day to ensure the minimal amount. However, you can also find this compound in pill supplements in the health food section of many stores. ."
[Editor`s Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]
For more information:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...
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Is cabbage the ultimate anti-cancer food?
by Neev M. Arnell(NaturalNews) Men with early signs of developing prostate cancer were able to prevent tumor growth by eating broccoli four times a week, according to a British study covered on MSN (http://health.msn.com/health-topics...). But broccoli is not the only cruciferous vegetable with anti-cancer properties.
Cabbage has a long history of use both as food and medicine, according to The George Mateljan Foundation for the World's Healthiest Foods. Manual laborers were fed salted cabbage with their rice, according to William Duffy's "Sugar Blues", to keep them strong and healthy during the building of the Great Wall of China (http://www.naturalpedia.com/cabbage...). It was the only food they had besides their rice. Cabbage was also grown in Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations that held it in high regard as a general panacea capable of treating a host of health conditions.
Today, epidemiological studies provide evidence that diets rich in cruciferous vegetables are associated with lower risks of several types of cancer, according to Oregon State University (http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocent...). Cabbage in particular looks promising, boasting numerous cancer-preventing properties, including antioxidants and glucosinolates.
Anti-oxidant phytonutrients
Red cabbage contains 36 different varieties of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoid phytonutrients that have been linked to protection from cancer, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (http://www.naturalnews.com/024487_c...).
Anthocyanins are naturally occurring pigments that give fruits and berries their red, blue and purple color. Another study by the ARS found that some varieties of the phytonutrient have twice the antioxidant effect of vitamin C (http://www.naturalnews.com/024487_c...).
Red cabbage is unique among the cruciferous vegetables in providing about 30 milligrams of the red anthocyanin in each half-cup serving. But even white cabbage -- the most commonly eaten variety of cabbage in the U.S. -- provides about 50 milligrams in a half-cup serving.
The cancer-preventing effects of cabbage are due, at least in part, to the antioxidant richness of the vegetable. Without enough antioxidants, we can experience a metabolic problem called oxidative stress, which can be a risk factor for development of cancer, according to The George Mateljan Foundation for the World's Healthiest Foods (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?...).
Isothiocyanates
The anti-oxidant benefits of cabbage alone secure its position on the list of cancer-fighting foods but cabbage takes it a step further. The glucosinolates found in cabbage can be converted into isothiocyanate compounds, and these compounds show preventative effects for variety of different cancers, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?...).
Isothiocyanates (pronounced eys-so-thigh-o-sigh-an-ate) stop carcinogens in three different ways, according to The Cancer Project: They prevent carcinogens from being activated, they counteract the effects of carcinogens once they have been activated and they speed up the removal of carcinogens from the body.
Studies have shown that risks of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract can be reduced by consuming isothiocyanate-rich vegetables, and the compounds are especially effective in fighting lung and esophageal cancers (http://www.cancerproject.org/protec...).
Indole-3-carbinol
Cabbage is also proving to aid in the prevention of cancer due to a compound called Indole-3-carbinol. The compound, I3C, which is released when we chew cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to protect against the adverse effects of estrogen, according to The South African Journal of Natural Medicine. When one type of estrogen is broken down, it divides into metabolites, one which leads to high risk breast cancer and the other which leads to low risk. I3C can reduce the risk of breast cancer by increasing the production of the safer metabolite.
Sources for this article include:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocent...
http://www.naturalpedia.com/cabbage...
http://www.cancerproject.org/protec...
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocent...
http://cancer-treatment-registry.or...
http://www.fourwinds10.com/siterun_...
http://health.msn.com/health-topics...
http://www.naturalnews.com/024487_c...
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?...
http://www.naturalmedicine.co.za/ca...
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Beat Crohn's disease naturally
by Dr. David Jockers(NaturalNews) Crohn`s disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that can affect any part of the digestive system from mouth to anus. It primarily causes abdominal pain and diarrhea (which may be bloody if inflammation is at its worst). This syndrome may also cause complications outside the gastrointestinal tract such as arthritis, eczema, fatigue and lack of concentration. Natural lifestyle solutions exist for preventing and reversing this crippling disease.
Crohn`s disease is considered an auto-immune disease where the body`s immune system attacks the tissues of the digestive system. Environmental factors play a large role as evidenced by a higher incidence of the disease in western industrialized nations compared to other parts of the world.
The immune system is characterized by 2 major regions: Innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity provides immediate defense against pathogens and is characterized by t-cell formation. Adaptive immunity is considered a `learned immunity` and is what provides long-lasting immune defense through antibody formation. Researchers have shown that Crohn`s is an innate immune deficiency. Chronic inflammation with this disorder is caused by the adaptive immunity trying to compensate for the reduced function of the innate immune system.
Crohn`s disease appears to be associated with anti-yeast antibodies. Mannon is a component of the yeast organism`s cell wall. Individuals with Crohn`s tend to have lower levels of lectin binding proteins that bind mannan and help expel it from the body. Due to the lowered lectin levels and the insufficient innate immune system, individuals with Crohn`s very often develop anti-yeast antibodies. This overproduction of anti-yeast antibodies triggers an inflammatory response that damages the gut lining.
Individuals with Crohn`s disease should avoid all yeast products and other common allergens. The most common food allergens to avoid include gluten containing grains such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, kamut, & spelt. Soy products, different nuts (such as peanuts), eggs, and heavy proteins are often not tolerated well. Some individuals struggle with nightshade vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, & onions.
An anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle are critical for full recovery from this condition. Anti-inflammatory foods help to modulate the immune system and give it a more accurate pair of eyes so as to not over-inflame when stimulated. To effectively de-inflame it is key to completely avoid man-made foods, sugars, and food allergens as listed above. The long chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA powerfully de-inflame the body by restoring natural balance to the lipid wall of the cell membrane.
Other great anti-inflammatory foods include coconut products, berries, and non-denatured, whey protein from grass-fed cows and goats. This protein source is also loaded with L-glutamine and enhances cellular glutathione stores which are both necessary for rebuilding the gut and de-inflaming the body. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, boswellia, cinnamon, rosemary, & oregano among others should be used as much as possible.
Dysbiosis is a common feature in individuals with auto-immune disease. Naturally fermented foods such as red cabbage sauerkraut, kimchi, & coconut kefir are phenomenal foods for restoring healthy gut bacteria. Additionally, a high quality probiotic supplement with 50+ billion microorganisms should be consumed regularly.
A balanced immune response in the body is also dependent upon healthy vitamin D levels. Vitamin D helps the body recognize between foreign and self proteins. This reduces inflammation and auto-immune reactions. Healthy Vitamin D levels also stimulate natural Killer cells and macrophages that destroy antagonistic microbes & other pathogens. Healthy Vitamin D3 levels should be between 60-100 ng/ml. Be sure to get tested and supplement if necessary.
http://www.naturalnews.com/030475_i...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crohn'...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti_s...
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Consumption of cocoa flavanols results in an acute improvement in visual and cognitive functions.
Cocoa flavanols (CF) influence physiological processes in ways that suggest their consumption may improve aspects of neural function, and previous studies have found positive influences of CF on cognitive performance.
In this preliminary study we investigated whether visual, as well as cognitive, function is influenced by an acute dose of CF in young adults. We employed a randomized, single-blinded, order counterbalanced, crossover design in which 30 healthy adults consumed both dark chocolate containing 720mg CF and a matched quantity of white chocolate, with a one week interval between testing sessions. Visual contrast sensitivity was assessed by reading numbers that became progressively more similar in luminance to their background. Motion sensitivity was assessed firstly by measuring the threshold proportion of coherently moving signal dots that could be detected against a background of random motion, and secondly by determining the minimum time required to detect motion direction in a display containing a high proportion of coherent motion.
Cognitive performance was assessed using a visual spatial working memory for location task and a choice reaction time task designed to engage processes of sustained attention and inhibition. Relative to the control condition, CF improved visual contrast sensitivity and reduced the time required to detect motion direction, but had no statistically reliable effect on the minimum proportion of coherent motion that could be detected. In terms of cognitive performance, CF improved spatial memory and performance on some aspects of the choice reaction time task. As well as extending the range of cognitive tasks that are known to be influenced by CF consumption, this is the first report of acute effects of CF on the efficiency of visual function.
These acute effects can be explained by increased cerebral blood flow caused by CF, although in the case of contrast sensitivity there may be an additional contribution from CF induced retinal blood flow changes.
Physiol Behav. 2011 Jun 1;103(3-4):255-60. Epub 2011 Feb 12.
Consumption of cocoa flavanols results in an acute improvement in visual and cognitive functions.
Field DT, Williams CM, Butler LT.
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Omega-3 status in pregnancy linked to childhood obesity: Study
06-May-2011Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may lower the risk of childhood obesity by 32 per cent, according to new research from Harvard Medical School.
The study, published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, examined the relationship between the type of fat a mother consumed at mid-pregnancy and whether her child was obese at age 3 – determined by body mass index (BMI) and skinfold measurements
The researchers, led by Dr. Emily Oken, associate professor in the department of population medicine, reported that enhanced maternal-fetal omega-3 status was associated with lower childhood obesity.
“We examined the extent to which prenatal omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA concentrations were associated with childhood adiposity,” wrote Onken and her colleagues.
“A higher ratio of cord plasma omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was associated with higher subscapular and triceps [skinfold thicknesses] and odds of obesity,” they said.
Omega-3 and obesity r The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, most notably EPA and DHA, is associated with several health benefits, including improving of lipid metabolism, preventing coronary heart diseases, and reducing inflammatory responses. In addition, omega-3s have been suggested to reduce fat levels in animals fed a high-fat diet.
Onken and her colleagues explained that a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found mainly in fish and seafood, in addition to a presence of large amounts of omega-6s has been suggested to be a risk factor in the development of obesity.
Previous research in animals found that such imbalances in the types of fatty acids in the diet, promotes the development of fat tissue. However, the authors noted that very few studies have investigated these effects in human populations.
Study details
Onken and her colleagues reported that around one fifth expectant mothers ate more than 2 fish meals per week at mid-pregnancy, however only about half of these women achieved the recommend intake of DHA of 200 mg per day.
The authors said that such an observation suggests although pregnant women ate fish, they did not consume enough of the species known to contain high amounts of DHA, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
Only three per cent of pregnant women in the study were found to consume the recommended intake of 200 mg/day of DHA in the last month of pregnancy. Onken and her team noted that this is the time when large amounts of DHA are transferred from the mother to the infant to support brain development.
The research team then calculated the odds for obesity in the offspring at age 3 according to the mother’s omega-3 fatty acid intake and the level of omega-6s and omega-3s in cord blood at delivery. Onken and her co-workers reported the odds of obesity in 3-year-olds were between two and four times higher when cord blood had a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.
In contrast, the odds of obesity were 32 per cent lower when maternal consumption of omega-3s was high or if the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 was at close to recommended levels.
The Harvard research team noted that the study is the first indications from human data that low intakes of omega-3s in the presence of large amounts of omega-6s during pregnancy might affect the chance of obesity in the offspring.
“These findings need to be confirmed by others. It will also be important to demonstrate that making deliberate changes to a woman’s fat intake during pregnancy has desirable effects on weight and fatness in children,” they added.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume 93, Issue 4, Pages 780-788, doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.005801
“Prenatal fatty acid status and child adiposity at age 3 y: results from a US pregnancy cohort”
Authors: S. M Donahue, S.L Rifas-Shiman, D.R. Gold, Z.E Jouni, M.W Gillman, E. Oken.
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Beat ADHD naturally
by Dr. David Jockers(NaturalNews) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently surveyed 73,000 children and found one in 10 has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a 22% increase since 2003. Research has shown that toxic and deficient lifestyle patterns are the chief contributing factor for this disorder. Natural lifestyle solutions can prevent and reverse ADHD.
Many researchers consider chronic ADHD symptoms a sign of mild-moderate brain damage. When regions of the brain are chronically inflamed it signals the primitive regions of the brain to be on overdrive. This inhibits frontal lobe function which is the region responsible for concentration and emotional stability. The primitive regions on overdrive include the reticular activating system and limbic system. When this primitive brain is imbalanced it leads to poor concentration and emotional outbursts.
ADHD is commonly caused by an inflammatory based diet and toxic food additives. These food additive chemicals are mild-moderately neurotoxic. They also have a strong synergistic effect when combined with sugars such as fructose. A recent Lancet study concluded that food dyes along with the preservative sodium benzoate (found in many soft drinks, fruit juices, & salad dressings) cause many children to become significantly more hyperactive and distractible. This study also found that food additives and dyes can do as much damage to children's brains as lead in gasoline.
Digestive problems can also dramatically affect brain function and development. A common factor with ADHD is a weak intestinal system and food allergies. Often times a Candida infection is present and producing brain damaging toxic metabolites. It is wise to address the gut and allow it to heal by avoiding allergens and supplementing with high quality Probiotics.
The most common food allergens to avoid include all pasteurized dairy products and gluten containing grains such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, kamut, & spelt. Soy products, some nuts, eggs, and heavy proteins are often not tolerated well. Other allergens include those of the nightshade family such as eggplant, tomatoes, & potatoes.
An anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle are critical for full recovery from this condition. Anti-inflammatory foods help to modulate the immune system and give it a more accurate pair of eyes so as to not over-inflame when stimulated. To effectively de-inflame it is key to completely avoid man-made foods, sugars, and food allergens as listed above. The long chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are critical for brain function.
Healthy movement patterns produce proprioception (movement information) which is a critical essential for healthy brain enhancing and neurodevelopmental patterns. Boosting proprioceptive input through good posture and spinal function is critical for healthy brain development. Regular chiropractic care along with spinal hygiene exercises are essential lifestyle factors for healthy neurological function.
Children, teenagers, & adults with ADHD symptoms do very well with a regular exercise program that incorporates core stability and functional balance training. Many hyperactive kids are naturally drawn to activities such as rebounding and jumping on a trampoline as well as balance sports such as skating, surfing and snowboarding. All of these dynamic balance based activities powerfully enhance proprioceptive input into the brain.
Other critical nutrients that are key for brain function include Vitamin D, Folic acid, Pyridoxine (B6), Vitamin B12, Zinc, CoQ10, and trace minerals. Vitamin D levels should be between 60-100 ng/ml. Boost Vitamin D naturally with 20-60 minutes of healthy sunlight every day or 5,000-50,000 IU of emulsified vitamin D3 daily to get the levels where they should be. A raw, whole-food multi-vitamin that supplies ample amounts of folic acid (400 mcg), B6 (4mg), B12(100 mcg), Zinc (15 mg), trace minerals, & CoQ10 (500 mcg) should be consumed daily
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/a...
http://www.health.com/health/galler...
http://www.naturalnews.com/031916_d...
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search finds non-presPescription treatments and preventatives help Alzheimer's Disease
by Cindie Leonard(NaturalNews) A recently published study on a popular Alzheimer's disease drug demonstrated that there is no significant difference between patients taking the prescription drug and those taking a placebo. With one in seven Americans over the age of 71 affected by some form of dementia, the popularity of pharmaceuticals that offer any glimmer of hope is soaring. The problem is that many of these drugs have crippling side effects and can erode the patient's (and their family's) savings accounts. Recent research is providing encouraging news regarding natural treatments and sound methods of prevention.
Non-prescription alternatives that help prevent memory loss and boost brain power include certain foods, dietary supplements, and lifestyle management.
Turmeric (Curcurmin) is a popular spice in India, where Alzheimer's disease is uncommon. A recent study at UCLA demonstrated that curcurmin helped bind amyloid beta, preventing the "gunk" that forms the plaques and tangles in the brain which lead to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Omega-3's, fatty acids which protect cells and control inflammation, have been shown to clinically enhance the brain's ability to process and store information. Exciting results from a UCLA study highlighting the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids were reported by researcher Fernando Gomez-Pinella: "Omega-3 fatty acids support synaptic plasticity and seem to positively affect the expression of several molecules related to learning and memory that are found on synapses." Excellent food sources include beans, olive oil, walnuts, winter squash, and fish. Fish and flaxseed oil supplements are also good sources of Omega-3's.
The April 1993 issue of Drugs and Aging summarizes a clinically significant study pointing to the effectiveness of Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) as a memory booster. Alzheimer patients who took 1200 milligrams a day of GPC reported an increase in memory recall and a sharper degree of attention. An added bonus was that most patients also reported a boost in mood.
Ginkgo Biloba may offer an improvement in brain function and memory recall. UCLA researchers measured brain activity using positron-emission tomography (PET) on subjects taking Ginkgo Biloba. The subjects taking Ginkgo Biloba had slightly elevated brain activity in the areas of the brain related to recall. In a study published in the Journal of Gerontology, subjects taking a special extract of Ginkgo Biloba, EGb, experienced an increase in cognitive performance along with the exciting possibility that it might prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease in the first place. It is suggested that you take 60 to 120 milligrams two times a day with food. Memory improvements may take six to eight weeks.
A moss extract, Huperzine A, is showing promise as a natural supplement which aids in preventing further memory loss. In a study of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, Huperzine A proved to be as effective as one of the most popular prescription medications.
Lifestyle plays a major role in preventing/managing Alzheimer's disease. Relevant and recent research attest to the positive results of stress management, exercise, quality sleep, and the amazing preventative power of challenging your brain by continually learning and cultivating curiosity.
Considering the costs of prescription medications for managing Alzheimer's disease -- financially, physically, and now the question of "does it work?", it seems that it would be prudent for the medical community to support and endorse natural supplementation and lifestyle management.
Sources:
Lon S. Schneider, M.D., professor, psychiatry, neurology and gerontology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles; Greg M. Cole, Ph.D., neuroscientist, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, and associate director, Alzheimer`s Disease Research Center, University of California Los Angeles; April 11, 2011, Archives of Neurology, online.
Scientists Learn How Food Affects The Brain: Omega 3 Especially Important.
Science Daily, July 11, 2008
PubMed.gov: Clinical efficacy and safety of Huperzine Alpha in treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease. July 25, 2002.
Alzheimers Association: alz.org
Drugs and Aging: Multicentre study of l-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine vs ST200 among patients with probable senile dementia of Alzheimers type; L. Parnetti; April 1993
Brain Research Institute UCLA: http://www.bri.ucla.edu/bri_weekly/...
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Conventional medicine finally admits MS caused by vitamin D deficiency
by M.K. Tyler(NaturalNews) Is it true that those who suffer from Multiple sclerosis (MS) just need a little sun? Researchers at the University of Oxford seem to think so. In 2006, a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association suggested higher levels of vitamin D might decrease overall risk of developing MS. Now researchers at the University of Oxford are backing that study with further evidence while also suggesting a link between lack of sunlight and how the body responds when faced with an infection. The research concludes that MS is caused by several factors working in combination but clearly correlates to a lack of vitamin D.
Is it really as simple as soaking up some rays?
While the phenomenon of vitamin D deficiency is seen all over the world, countries in the northern hemisphere have been linked to significantly higher rates of MS. Scotland, for example, has one of the largest populations of MS sufferers, while the disease is "virtually unknown" in Africa. Even in sunny areas of the globe, it's not uncommon for people to become vitamin D deficient during the winter, as the sun's rays aren't often high enough to penetrate atmospheric layers.
The research put forth by the University of Oxford suggests that, while those who already have MS may not benefit exponentially simply by increasing levels of vitamin D, getting more sun could be an effective preventative measure against developing the disease and managing symptoms.
More importantly, MS sufferers may be able to boost immunity to other conditions with an increase in vitamin D. A recent study by Anticancer Research affirms that typical adults need much more than the daily dosage recommended by the U.S. Government. According to that research, 4,000-8,000 IUs of vitamin D every day could not only help prevent MS but also several types of cancer and Type 1 diabetes.
The health care industry, of course, won't promote a natural and safe preventative measure for degenerative diseases. Instead, people are warned about the dangers of UV exposure and the risks of vitamin toxicity. With vitamin D deficiency afflicting 90% of the U.S. population, however, it may be time to get a tan. Here are some interesting facts about the relationship between vitamin D and health:
1. It's free. Five to thirty minutes of sunlight a couple of times a week is usually sufficient for helping the body create enough vitamin D
2. Getting enough vitamin D from food is virtually impossible
3. Sunscreens may block the body's ability to generate vitamin D
4. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in the body
5. Those who live further from the equator generally require longer periods of sun exposure to generate enough vitamin D
6. A lack of vitamin D can affect bone strength. One theory suggests that women who are deficient in vitamin D can suffer from contracting pelvises, which can result in the death of babies during labor
7. Vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed quickly. It takes months for the body to increase and regulate vitamin D levels. This is why short periods of sun exposure are not only safe but also necessary for the synthesis of this important substance
For those with MS, increased sun exposure may be an easy and safe preventative measure against further cognitive and physical degeneration. As a direct threat to the medical establishment, however, it remains to be seen whether further government warnings and regulations about vitamin D will eventually ban people from sun bathing.
Sources for this article include
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13...
http://health.usnews.com/usnews/hea...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2...
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Periodic fasting increases fat burning and reduces the risk of disease
by T.M. Hartle(NaturalNews) Fasting has been a popular practice among health conscious individuals for centuries. In general, doctors have discouraged the practice of fasting deeming it a dangerous fad among ignorant health seekers. Recent research has proven that regular fasting is not merely a fad, but a health promoting practice. Research conducted at Intermountain Medical Center's Heart Institute identified several health benefits offered through periodic fasting.
Dr. Benjamin Horne stated that 'fasting is not just an indicator for a healthy lifestyle, it is actually the fasting that reduces the risk of disease.' During fasting, the body utilizes fat as a source of fuel instead of glucose. This results in a decrease in fat cells within the body reducing the risks for high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and diabetes according to Dr. Horne. The benefits in the study were seen by merely skipping at least two meals on a regular basis.
Researchers conducted the study on over 200 individuals consisting of patients from the medical center and healthy volunteers. One group eliminated both food and drink for 24 hours while the other group performed a water-only fast. Participants were monitored for the duration of the study to evaluate cardiac risk factors, markers of metabolic risk, and general health assessments. Fasting improved blood glucose levels, reduced body fat, and lowered triglycerides after the fast was completed. Many of the participants were regular fasters, so researchers set out to isolate the benefits of fasting with a follow-up study.
Researchers conducted a second study to ensure the results were not merely the result of a healthier lifestyle among fasters. They selected a group of individuals who did not engage in regular fasting. The participants were evaluated for general health markers and then put on a 24 hour water fast. X-ray scans revealed narrowing of the arteries in around 75 percent of those who didn't fast. In contrast, clogged arteries only affected 63 percent of those in the earlier study who engaged in regular fasting. Researchers began to uncover the health benefits of regular fasting.
Planned, periodic fasting increases human growth hormone that regulates glucose and insulin in the body. Human growth hormone increases the metabolism and burning of fat stores. The increased HGH levels seen during fasting can reduce insulin resistance and diabetes risk. In the study, regular periodic fasting reduced the risk of diabetes in half.
Dr. Horne stated that fasting could prevent the onset of diabetes for those who are at risk and it can improve general overall health. Patients were evaluated in the coronary artery study from 1994 to 2002 and it was found that those who participated in periodic fasting had lower risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes risk. Several doctors with Intermountain Medical Center's Heart Institute are presenting their recent discovery on the physiological benefits from fasting at the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans. Regular, periodic fasting of merely two meals per month can offer significant health benefits and should become a regular part of a health promoting lifestyle.
Sources:
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=149...
http://www.ajconline.org/article/S0...)00901-6/abstract
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...
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Fluoridation makes us stupid and unhealthy
by Paul Fassa
(NaturalNews) A recent Chinese study concluded that low dose sodium fluoride in drinking water diminishes IQ, especially among children. This is the twenty-fourth such international study with the same conclusion. Sodium fluoride has also been linked to reduced fertility and lower sperm counts.
Other health issues arise from the basic function of sodium fluoride's ability to block thyroid production. It was once used to inhibit hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). So if your thyroid is normal, it will be reduced to hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid), which leads to a plethora of health problems.
Sodium fluoride is accumulated and stored by bone matter, displacing calcium and weakening bones. The pineal gland sucks up even more of the stuff that is being put in 70% of the USA water supply while independent scientific research and public protest is disregarded.
The Health Issues
There's more on the fluoridated pineal gland in the Natural News article "A Fluoride Free Pineal Gland ..." (source below). Here are a few of the health issues from drinking fluoridated water:
*Thyroid Disruption - affecting the complete endocrine system and leading to obesity and diabetes
*Neurological - diminished IQ and inability to focus (ADD), lethargy, weariness, possibly fibromyalgia.
*Melatonin Disruption - sleep disorders, increased aging, lower immunity to cancer.
*Alzheimer's Disease
*Pineal Gland - calcification of this gland located in the middle of the brain.
*Cancer
Types of Fluorides
Calcium fluoride is in several ground water sources, especially wells. The worst it can do is cause tooth enamel or bone damage if consumed daily over the long term. Pharmaceutical grade sodium fluoride is meant to be applied topically to teeth as a dental procedure. But if swallowed or otherwise ingested, it is extremely toxic.
But the most pernicious of all sodium fluorides is either fluorosilicate acid or sodium silicofluoride. These are the waste products of industry, originally from the nuclear and aluminum industries, but now mostly from the phosphate fertilizer industry.
The gases emitted from phosphate fertilizer processing plants are so toxic that nearby crops were destroyed by the emissions and serious health problems rose among nearby residents. So the EPA forced the processing plants to use scrubbers in their stacks to clean the exhaust.
That solved the toxic emission problems locally while creating an expensive toxic waste disposal problem. How toxic is this scrubbed stuff? A recent spill from a fluorosilicate container in Illinois had to be contained by workers wearing the same type of protective gear worn near the damaged reactors in Fukushima.
Deceptive PR campaigns and the American Dental Association's urging of fluoridation as the panacea for tooth decay created a profitable side industry: Selling phosphate toxic sludge as sodium fluoride for community water supplies. Fluoridated water proponents argue that low doses are safe while ignoring how these daily doses deposit and accumulate in our bones and organs.
Avoiding Sodium Fluoride
Don't drink tap water that has not gone through reverse osmosis, at least. Avoid commercial sodas and juices. Most food stores contain reverse osmosis purifiers that you can use to load large jugs cheaply. There are household purifiers available as well.
Reverse osmosis removes over 85% of sodium fluoride from water, but some of the good minerals are removed as well. Add some sea salt or mineral powder to compensate. Do this to stay healthy and join the growing resistance against forced toxic medication via our water supplies.
Sources for more information: ******************* by S. L. Baker, features writer
Never mind that in lab studies these chemicals have been found to disrupt hormones, probably cause cancer and spur the growth of drug-resistant superbugs. The FDA seems to think it's fine and dandy that humans keep pumping these substances into our bodies through contact with skin, and flushing these toxins down the drain into the water table.
At the recent national meeting of the American Chemical Society held in Anaheim, California, scientists sounded yet another warning about the clear and present danger of the antibacterial ingredient TCC -- at least in the aquatic ecosystem. For the first time, scientists have evidence that this endocrine system disruptor is accumulating in fish. The animals encounter TCC as they swim in water that washes down drains and flows out of sewage treatment facilities into lakes and streams.
And, no, this isn't some minor finding. The researchers found TCC has a "strong" tendency to bioaccumulate in fish -- that means the fish take in the substance far faster than their bodies can break it down and eliminate it. Because TCC so strongly bioaccumulates in fish, even minute and seemingly harmless amounts in the water can build up to toxic amounts inside the animals' bodies.
"Due to its widespread usage, TCC is present in small amounts in 60 percent of all rivers and streams in the United States," study leader Ida Flores of the University of California-Davis said in a press statement. "Fish are commonly exposed to TCC, even though much of it is eliminated by wastewater treatment plants."
Dr. Flores soft-pedaled the idea that fish becoming loaded with TCC has much to do directly with human health -- because TCC supposedly doesn't bioaccumulate in humans and certain other mammals. Instead, the human body quickly breaks down, or metabolizes, TCC. That changes it into other substances that are excreted in urine and feces.
However, this skips over several important possibilities. First of all, because TCC is an endocrine disruptor, will fish contaminated with the chemical lose the ability to reproduce, thereby reducing the availability of fish as food?
And if fish contaminated with TCC are eaten, what does that mean for the human body? If TCC is "changed into other substances" by the human body, where is the proof those metabolites are safe for human health?
Dr. Flores noted that unmetabolized compounds, such as dioxins, can't be excreted from the human body -- unlike TCC -- and so they are particularly dangerous to humans. People are exposed to dioxins through the environment and the food chain, including dairy products, meat, fish and shellfish. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned this exposure can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system and may cause cancer.
Unfortunately, although this was not covered by Dr. Flores, other investigators have uncovered a critical connection between an anti-bacterial soap chemical and dioxins. As previously covered in NaturalNews, University of Minnesota civil engineering professor William Arnold and his colleague Kristopher McNeill have published their findings that TCC-related triclosan, when exposed to sunlight, generates dioxins.
And other researchers from the University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology, Pace Analytical (Minneapolis), the Science Museum of Minnesota and Virginia Tech, have documented that triclosan is transformed into dioxins that are accumulating in the environment.
Bottom line: any line of reasoning that downplays the seriousness of environmental contamination with anti-bacterial chemicals is just plain fishy -- and probably dangerous to human as well as animal health.
For more information: ******************* (NaturalNews) A continual supply of quality nutrients are required every day to fuel our metabolic machinery. Natural diet and whole food based multi-vitamins are the best source of the vitamins and minerals we need to thrive. Millions of people continue to subside on a diet dominated by processed junk food and fail to eat the minimum servings of fresh vegetables and fruits needed to prevent chronic illness. Our body has many survival mechanisms that provide for short term nutritional shortfalls. After a period of years and decades the lack of vitamins and minerals cause our body to age and set the stage for heart disease, diabetes, dementia and cancer. Fortunately there are important steps we can take to fight cellular aging and dramatically lower disease risk.
Complete Nutrition is Required to Promote Vibrant Health
The heart requires a constant supply of energy and nutrients to function optimally. Specific nutrients such as vitamin C are critical to build collagen and provide elasticity to the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Magnesium helps maintain electrical activity and reduces blood pressure so the muscle can beat efficiently. When we are deficient in these nutrients over time, heart function declines and risk of a heart attack rises quickly.
Daily Multi Vitamin Use Lowers Heart Attack Risk by 41%
The results of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition provides evidence that taking a multi vitamin can have a critical impact on heart disease risk. Women who took a high potency multi vitamin over a 5 year period were found to lower their risk of a heart attack by 41% compared to women who didn`t supplement. These results demonstrate the importance of proper nutrition to our health.
Essential Nutrients Provided by Natural Diet
The results of this study highlight the importance of vitamins and minerals to our health. A potent multi vitamin is a good way to ensure you get the minimum requirements for the vitamins and minerals that are commonly available in a single tablet. Nature provides a bounty of additional nutrients in whole foods that simply aren`t available in a pill. Many of the nutrients that exist in natural foods have yet to be discovered and undoubtedly have a major impact on our health when eaten as part of a whole food diet.
Most People are in a `Phytonutrient Gap`
The vast majority of people are grossly deficient in nutrients from their diet. This places them at increased risk of immune related disease ranging from the common cold to many forms of cancer and other serious illness. Details from ` America's Phytonutrient Report: Immune Health by Color` demonstrates that 8 out of 10 people fall short in meeting the minimum daily requirements for vegetables and fruits and lack basic support for optimal immune function. Specifically the report finds that people are deficient in vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc and selenium that provide the structure for a healthy immune response.
To ensure you benefit from the full matrix of nutrients, eat a diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Cut the processed foods, sugar and hydrogenated fats that are known to promote disease. Find a multi vitamin that is made from organic food sources for maximum health benefit and stay away from synthetic varieties that are full of chemicals and toxins. Take control of your health with a natural diet of whole foods and supplement daily with a quality multi vitamin.
Article References: ******************* by Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor
Now you can add another reason to think twice before agreeing to take antidepressants. At the American College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans, Emory University School of Medicine scientists have just announced they`ve discovered that the drugs are linked to thicker arteries. The significance? The findings strongly suggest Prozac and similar meds could raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Depression is sometimes listed as a risk for heart disease. But that was not the explanation for the Emory findings, according to Amit Shah, MD, a cardiology fellow at Emory University School of Medicine. Instead, Dr. Shah said in a press statement, the data indicates the effect of antidepressant use on arteries that was revealed by the study is separate and independent from depression.
Dr. Shah worked with Viola Vaccarino, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Emory`s Rollins School of Public Health, on the groundbreaking study which involved 513 middle-aged male twins who both served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Twins are genetically the same but may be different when it comes to other risk factors such as diet, smoking and exercise, so studying them is a good way to factor out the effects of genetics.
The Emory research team measured the thickness of the lining of the main arteries in the neck (carotid intima-media thickness, or IMT) by ultrasound. The results showed that among the 59 pairs of twins where only one brother took antidepressants, the one taking the medication had a significantly higher carotid IMT -- even when heart disease risk factors such as smoking were taken into account. In fact, the thicker arteries were found in antidepressant users whether or not they had ever had a stroke or heart attack in the past.
In the new study, the scientists documented higher carotid IMT in research subjects who used SSRIs (60 percent of those who took antidepressants) as well as those who used other kinds of antidepressants. Curiously, higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with thicker arteries only in those taking antidepressants -- so the Big Pharma meds themselves seem to be the key to this disturbing change in the cardiovascular system.
"One of the strongest and best-studied factors that thickens someone`s arteries is age, and that happens at around 10 microns per year," Dr. Shah stated. "In our study, users of antidepressants see an average 40 micron increase in IMT, so their carotid arteries are in effect four years older."
How could antidepressants have an effect on blood vessels? The Emory scientists think it may result from changes in serotonin. The SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and they are known to increase the level of serotonin in the brain. Other kinds of antidepressant drugs also impact serotonin levels. And, although serotonin is a chemical that helps some brain cells communicate, what is often ignored in the hyping of SSRIs is that serotonin functions outside the brain, too.
Actually, most of the body`s serotonin is found outside the brain, especially in the intestines, Dr. Shah stated in a media release. What`s more, serotonin is stored by platelets, the cells that promote blood clotting; the chemical is released when platelets bind to a clot. The chemical can, in fact, act in a variety of ways and either constrict or relax blood vessels, depending on whether the vessels are damaged or not.
"I think we have to keep an open mind about the effects of antidepressants on neurochemicals like serotonin in places outside the brain, such as the vasculature. The body often compensates over time for drugs` immediate effects," Dr. Shah said.r
For more information:r
http://shared.web.emory.edu/whsc/ne... ******************* ******************* Sales CH, Pedrosa LF, Lima JG, Lemos TM, Colli C.
Abstract
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 51; 53.6 ± 10.5 y) selected within the inclusion factors, at the University Hospital Onofre Lopes. Magnesium intake was assessed by three 24-h recalls. Urine, plasma and erythrocytes magnesium, fasting and 2-h postprandial glucose, HbA1, microalbuminuria, proteinuria, and serum and urine creatinine were measured.
RESULTS: Mean magnesium intake (9.37 ± 1.76 mmol/d), urine magnesium (2.80 ± 1.51 mmol/d), plasma magnesium (0.71 ± 0.08 mmol/L) and erythrocyte magnesium (1.92 ± 0.23 mmol/L) levels were low. Seventy-seven percent of participants presented one or more magnesium status parameters below the cut-off points of 3.00 mmol/L for urine, 0.75 mmol/L for plasma and 1.65 mmol/L for erythrocytes. Subjects presented poor blood glucose control with fasting glucose of 8.1 ± 3.7 mmol/L, 2-h postprandial glucose of 11.1 ± 5.1 mmol/L, and HbA1 of 11.4 ± 3.0%. The parameters that influenced fasting glucose were urine, plasma and dietary magnesium, while plasma magnesium was influenced by creatinine clearance.
CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium status was influenced by kidney depuration and was altered in patients with type 2 diabetes, and magnesium showed to play an important role in blood glucose control.
Clin Nutr. 2011 Jan 31. [Epub ahead of print] ******************* *******************
A Fluoride Free Pineal Gland ...
http://www.naturalnews.com/026364_f...
Recent article by anti-fluoridation activist Mary Sparrowdancer
http://rense.com/general93/fluo.htm
A major source of fluoride information and news http://www.fluoridealert.org/
About the phosphate industry's polluting ways
http://www.fluoridealert.org/phosph...
The sum of two currently used water supply additives with lead pipes and valve parts http://www.enviroblog.org/2009/07/r...
Interview of Dr. Paul Connett, ED of fluoride alert.org http://healthmaven.blogspot.com/201...
Transcripts of studies RE lowering IQ http://fluoridealert.org/iq.studies...New warning: dangerous antibacterial soap chemical found in fish
(NaturalNews) The current mania over putting anti-bacterial chemicals in everything from cleaning wipes and hand soap to detergent and toothpaste has resulted in the widespread contamination of the environment with two related toxins often found in these products -- triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan.
http://www.naturalnews.com/029006_a...
http://www.naturalnews.com/022178_t...
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021...Multi-Vitamins - Slash heart attack risk by 41% and boost immune function
by John Phillip
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abs...
http://www.wellnessresources.com/st...
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea...New antidepressant warning - Prozac and other drugs cause thick arteries, raise heart risk
(NaturalNews) Millions of Americans take antidepressant drugs -- most are Prozac and related antidepressant medications in the class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A gigantic money maker for the drug giants, the SSRIs bring in billions to Big Pharma a year. They are promoted and prescribed as safe treatments for depression, anxiety and even premenstrual tension -- despite a long list of possible side effects ranging from sexual dysfunction and headaches to dizziness and suicide. Influence of magnesium status and magnesium intake on the blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bl. 14. Butantã, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-000, Brazil.
BACKGROUND & AIMS: This study was undertaken to assess magnesium intake and magnesium status in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to identify the parameters that best predict alterations in fasting glucose and plasma magnesium.
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